Song Ran went to visit a friend of her team leader, hoping to gather information about Li Zan. Disappointed when she couldn’t find any leads, she was about to leave when Li Zan suddenly appeared. It turned out that Li Zan was good friends with Luo Zhan, a friend of Shen Bei. However, Li Zan seemed to have no recollection of their past encounters. After seeing Li Zan again, Song Ran was thrilled and even tried various ways to learn more about him. She discovered that Li Zan’s parents lived in Liangcheng, the same city as her, and that he occasionally returned to stay with them. Unable to hold back any longer, Song Ran finally asked Li Zan if he remembered saving her. Li Zan openly admitted it, explaining that he hadn’t brought it up earlier because he wasn’t sure if the memory might be traumatic for her.
While having a meal with Luo Zhan, Li Zan couldn’t help but watch a video shot by Song Ran. Luo Zhan invited Li Zan to come back and help him after completing his volunteer mission, and Li Zan agreed. Luo Zhan’s constant praise made Li Zan realize that Luo Zhan had a favor to ask. When confronted, Luo Zhan straightforwardly asked Li Zan about his thoughts on the journalism industry. Li Zan suddenly thought of Song Ran and described journalists based on his impression of her.
The TV station’s leadership decided to have Song Ran and her team leader, Shen Bei, compete for the front-page headline of the next month. Song Ran felt somewhat guilty, as she didn’t intend to overshadow her team leader. However, Shen Bei insisted on fair competition, where everyone would rely on their own abilities. Over the weekend, Song Ran used returning an umbrella as an excuse to find Li Zan. She left the umbrella in Li Zan’s car and waited in her own car until he appeared. Excited to see him, Song Ran greeted him, though she felt nervous. Li Zan suddenly brought up the red string, which surprised Song Ran. Unwilling to return it, she lied and said she didn’t have it with her. Using an interview as a pretext, Song Ran managed to get Li Zan’s phone number. Before parting ways, Li Zan pointed out a mistake in one of Song Ran’s videos. Song Ran was delighted, as it meant Li Zan had actually watched her program.
Back at home, Song Ran’s mother expressed dissatisfaction with her video, believing it was only passable for local TV but not up to national standards. Feeling disheartened by her mother’s lack of approval, Song Ran made an excuse and left. In the office, Shen Bei reviewed Song Ran’s topic and found it impressive. Initially suspecting Song Ran of scheming, Shen Bei realized through some clues that Song Ran had no ulterior motives. During dinner with her mother, Song Ran mentioned that while her mother didn’t like her work, others did. The conversation between mother and daughter was harsh, but it was clear they cared deeply for each other. Before her mother left for the airport, she insisted that Song Ran see her off. When the TV station announced the annual outstanding journalist award, Song Ran’s friends believed she deserved it, but the leadership awarded it to Shen Bei.
Shen Bei invited the program team to dinner, reserving a seat for her boyfriend, who she revealed was a demining volunteer in East Asia. Song Ran was shocked and couldn’t believe it until Li Zan arrived. Overwhelmed with emotion, Song Ran excused herself and left the room. Seeing her leave, Li Zan also made an excuse to follow her. They met outside the private room, where Song Ran silently returned the red string to Li Zan before leaving. Shen Bei, impressed by Li Zan’s unique personality, expressed her fondness for him and even told her father about him. Song Ran returned to East Asia, where the team arranged for a Chinese-descended guide named Sasin to welcome her. Song Ran was assigned to stay at a military camp. The next morning, as she prepared to go out and film, she was noticed by a group of mercenaries. Their leader, a Chinese descendant, mockingly approached her to greet her.
