Episode 13 recap: Shen Lei's Absence

In episode 13, Shen Lin's back injury isn't severe, but she knows deep down that Jia Yongwang's actions were wrong. She cleverly uses this situation to remind him not to bother Hailey anymore, and the matter is peacefully resolved. Meanwhile, Shen Lei is out drinking to cope, watching others play basketball, which stirs up bittersweet memories of college. He recalls how Xie Meilan always cheered him on from the sidelines, and the nostalgia brings him to tears.

On the other hand, Na Wei is busy entertaining clients and doesn't have time to respond to Shen Lin's messages. Xie Meilan's texts to Shen Lei go unanswered, leaving her feeling ignored. After her breakup, Na Juan throws herself into work, often staying late until she’s exhausted. Shen Lin tries to message Na Wei on her way home, but it’s as if her message never sent—she hears nothing in return.

Back at the apartment complex, Shen Lin spots Na Wei's car with the door wide open and a bag tossed on the roof. She quickly calls him, only to hear his phone ringing from the trunk. When she finds him, Na Wei is completely drunk and unresponsive. Shen Lin struggles to pull him up, even though her back still hurts.

The next day, Na Wei, who worked late, and Na Juan, who drank too much, face their mother-in-law's scolding, with even their daughter commenting on Na Wei's drinking habits. After dropping their daughter off at school, Na Wei intends to confront Jia Yongwang to defend Shen Lin. However, Shen Lin stops him, not wanting to cause trouble for Hailey, as she understands her struggles. This calms Na Wei down, and he only drives Shen Lin to work before leaving.

Meanwhile, Na Juan tries to message Li Xiaoyue during a bathroom break but finds she’s been blocked again. Her messages seem to vanish into thin air. Hu Haili had previously told Shen Lin to check her back, but she surprises everyone by showing up for work the next day. When Jia Yongwang arrives, Hailey immediately gives Shen Lin a day off to rest.

At work, Qin Feng overloads Na Wei with tasks that Yang Ge specifically requested. Although reluctant, Na Wei has no choice but to comply. Shen Lei remains absent, causing concern among their supervisors. He sends Xie Meilan a cryptic message and ignores her calls. Director Wu decides to take action and sends Xie Meilan to find Shen Lei, insisting he return within three days, or his absence would be treated as a leave of absence.

Qin Feng works Na Wei and Li Xiaoyue hard, sending them to deliver goods across nine stores within two days—a daunting task. Shen Lin leaves work early, thinking of Na Wei's love for marinated foods, and buys ingredients to cook for him.

Meanwhile, Shen Lei quietly leaves Beijing on a train, turning off his phone. When Xie Meilan returns to their shared apartment, she finds all of Shen Lei's belongings gone and searches desperately for him. Na Wei returns home late to find everyone asleep, with his favorite marinated dishes set out on the table. He sits down quietly to enjoy the late dinner.