Under the scorching sun, Xu Qi’an and Xu Xinnian grow impatient waiting for their contact. Xu Xinnian buys several pieces of watermelon from a vendor to pass the time, eating so much he becomes uncomfortably full. When their contact still doesn’t show, Xu Qi’an reminds him they have moved houses, suggesting the marked location might have changed. Enlightened, Xu Xinnian decides to release more Kongming lanterns later that evening.
Meanwhile, Lin’an has returned to the capital. Upon hearing of Xu Qi’an’s reported sacrifice for the court, she rushes to the Xu family residence. Elsewhere, Li Miaozhen intervenes when she witnesses guards dining without paying. She teaches them a lesson and encounters a kindred spirit—a swordsman who always carries his blade, seemingly training to master sword energy.
Later that evening, as Xu Qi’an and Xu Xinnian release lanterns, Lin’an arrives unexpectedly. Seeing Xu Qi’an alive and well, she bursts into tears and throws herself into his arms, embracing him tightly. Xu Xinnian tactfully slips away to give them privacy.
The next morning, Lin’an awakens in the arms of her maid, Gangzi, feeling confused and disappointed. She wonders if her emotional reunion with Xu Qi’an was just a dream. Gangzi explains that Xu Qi’an had personally escorted her home the night before. Lin’an had clung to him, refusing to let go, until Gangzi cleverly disguised herself as Xu Qi’an to help Lin’an relax.
By early morning, Xu Qi’an excitedly brings Lin’an a meal, instructing Gangzi to ensure its freshness. Noticing Lin’an’s disheveled appearance upon her return, he had been curious about her journey. However, Gangzi dismisses his questions with vague answers, claiming Lin’an merely wanted to see him on a whim. Disheartened, Xu Qi’an leaves.
At noon, Xu Xinnian’s long-awaited meeting finally occurs. The woman he has been pining for is none other than Wang Simo, the brilliant and resourceful daughter of Grand Secretary Wang Zhenwen. Though the two clearly share mutual affection, the social gap between them leaves Xu Xinnian hesitant to act. During their meeting, Xu Xinnian struggles to express his request, but Xu Qi’an steps in and pleads with Wang Simo to help them access records at the Ministry of Personnel.
Wang Simo agrees, though she teases Xu Xinnian for his rigid demeanor, claiming his reserved nature makes it difficult for her to connect with him. She adds that Xu Qi’an’s status might make it difficult to enter the Ministry. Picking up on her hint, Xu Qi’an suggests Xu Xinnian handle the task instead, to which she quickly agrees.
Inside the Ministry, Xu Xinnian works diligently to search through records. Wang Simo, showing concern for him, brings snacks and checks on him, worried he might be overheated. At one point, she stumbles while descending the steps, and Xu Xinnian catches her just in time. The tender moment leaves Wang Simo flustered, but their interaction is interrupted when her father, Wang Zhenwen, arrives unexpectedly. Misinterpreting the scene as indecent behavior, Wang Zhenwen angrily kicks Xu Xinnian out of the building.
Humiliated and bruised, Xu Xinnian returns home in tears, locking himself in his room to grieve. Shortly after, Wang Simo arrives at the Xu residence. She explains the misunderstanding to Xu Qi’an and asks him to console Xu Xinnian. Meanwhile, she personally visits Xu Xinnian’s parents, bearing lavish gifts.
Xu Xinnian’s mother is overwhelmed when Wang Simo presents her with a full set of gold hair ornaments, leaving her speechless. Xu Pingzhi, impressed by the masterfully crafted sword Wang Simo gifts him, is elated. Observing their simple and straightforward nature, Wang Simo is confident that her future in-laws will be easy to get along with.
