Jiang Yidi faced off against Yu Shi in a fencing match but ultimately lost. Yu Shi, feigning kindness, suggested she take a break, only to seize the moment to attack her again. Yu wanted to teach Jiang a lesson: trusting an opponent on the battlefield is a path to defeat.
After the match, the fencing club members gathered for grilled skewers. Jiang noticed Yu wasn’t enjoying the lively setting and used buying drinks as an excuse to take him outside. Jiang had already figured out Yu’s true identity after spotting him at the company and confirming through colleagues that there were no new hires besides the new boss. A quick online search confirmed her suspicions. Although Yu initially intended to keep his identity hidden, Jiang revealed that she had known all along.
While buying drinks, Jiang tricked Yu into paying 700 yuan for two bottles of red wine while she bought beer with her own money. She reassured him that the wine wouldn’t go to waste, as she had already arranged a meeting with Zhou Hang to discuss an investment in Hua Ke Vision. Jiang believed that if the deal succeeded, her contribution would ensure her place in the company, and Yu wouldn’t consider firing her.
A Chance Encounter with Wang Chunlai
Xie Linhui visited a publishing house where she had been offered a deputy director position, arranged through family connections. Although it was a comfortable, low-pressure role, Xie found it unchallenging and uninspiring.
At a bookstore, she unexpectedly ran into Wang Chunlai, who was now working at a private publishing house—a position Xie had helped him secure through her recommendation. Over coffee, Wang apologized for his abrupt departure from Zhongshang Langchao, admitting that he had acted impulsively. He had since found peace with his decision and expressed regret, feeling that if he had stood his ground, Xie might not have faced so much trouble.
During their conversation, Wang revealed critical information: Xu Delin and Lu Jian had been working together. Wang recalled seeing the two whispering suspiciously and mentioned that he had flagged issues with the article to Lu Jian, only to be dismissed and accused of seeking attention. This revelation made Xie realize that she had been deliberately set up by Lu Jian and Xu Delin.
A Return to the Magazine Office
Xie returned to Zhongshang Langchao to collect her belongings. Despite her dismissal, the staff welcomed her warmly, revealing their dislike for Lu Jian. When Xie entered her former office, she saw that Lu Jian had already claimed the space. Without saying a word, she took a book from the shelf and left the rest of her things behind.
Lu Jian escorted her out, maintaining a facade of politeness and professionalism. Xie, unfazed by his performance, warned him cryptically, “This is just the beginning. Stay calm.”
Xiao Tong’s Family Dynamics
Xiao Tong and Xie’s father, referred to as “Xie Uncle,” continued to bond. Knowing her love for sleeping in, he prepared her favorite fried dumplings in advance. Despite their growing closeness, Xie Uncle remained curious about why Xiao Tong had abruptly returned from Boston, a topic she avoided discussing. After eating only a couple of bites, Xiao Tong retreated to her room.
Their meal was interrupted by a knock at the door. Xie Uncle opened it to find his ex-wife standing there. Earlier, during his conversation with Xiao Tong, Xie Uncle had joked about how his ex-wife would cause a scene if she discovered they were keeping Xiao Tong’s return a secret with Xie Linhui. Her unexpected arrival now hinted at trouble ahead.
