Episode 9 recap: Zhang Yao Discovers Xie Shi and Xu Mu's Fake Relationship
In episode 9, Shen Yi eagerly waits for Song Nian Nian at the door, and their outfits coincidentally match, making them look like a couple. They decide to go see a movie, and from the very beginning, their interactions are so in sync it's as if they've rehearsed it all. At the theater, they enjoy each other's company, with Song Nian Nian laughing at the movie and Shen Yi admiring her smile. On the way home, Shen Yi curiously asks Song Nian Nian whether compatibility or feelings are more important, hinting at the potential development of their relationship.
Meanwhile, Xu Mu carefully selects an art gallery as the location for his first outing with Zhang Yao, hoping she'll feel comfortable. Unexpectedly, Xie Shi and his team also show up, and Xu Mu introduces Zhang Yao to Xie Shi. Zhang Yao is surprised to hear their coworkers jokingly refer to Xie Shi as Xu Mu's boyfriend, realizing Xu Mu already has a partner. Later, when Xu Mu and Xie Shi go shopping and sample cakes, the server mistakes them for a couple, much to Xie Shi's awkwardness.
Back with Shen Yi, Song Nian Nian intends to have dinner with him but instead finds him being unreasonably scolded by his manager. She bravely defends Shen Yi, exposing the manager's unfairness. Shen Yi angrily retaliates, even threatening to fire the manager. At this point, the chairman's secretary reveals Shen Yi's true identity as the chairman's son, catching the manager off guard. While touched by Shen Yi's actions, Song Nian Nian is also displeased by his deception.
Song Nian Nian confides in Xu Mu, who senses the complexity of her feelings for Shen Yi. Meanwhile, Zhang Yao's interview and artwork unexpectedly feature Xu Mu, and Zhang Yao admits Xu Mu's presence has brought her warmth, which Xie Shi also notices. During a dinner gathering, Zhang Yao observes Xie Shi's attentiveness towards Xu Mu, feeling conflicted. After dinner, Xu Mu and Xie Shi step outside to take a call, and their intimate behavior is witnessed by Zhang Yao, further troubling her.
After some time, Xu Mu and Shen Yi finally meet, and Shen Yi bravely confesses his feelings, and they embrace. Meanwhile, Xie Shi is conflicted about his fake relationship with Xu Mu, realizing his feelings for her have exceeded his expectations. Xu Mu, upon learning of Xie Shi's relationship with Qiao Nan, also begins to question her own feelings for Xie Shi. Alone at night, Xu Mu calls Song Nian Nian, confessing that despite their facade, she has developed genuine feelings for Xie Shi. Xie Shi then hastily leaves, distracted by a call from Qiao Nan, leaving Xu Mu with an unresolved mystery.
Comments(Episode 9)