Song Ran unexpectedly runs into Li Zan and excitedly expresses her desire to follow their footsteps to Hapu for filming. Faced with Song Ran’s enthusiasm, Li Zan hesitates. He reveals that he had originally planned to find Song Ran but was worried about losing face if he failed the selection process. Just as he was hesitating, Song Ran’s appearance conveniently resolved his dilemma. Seeing that there was still plenty of time, Li Zan suggests having lunch together.
At a small restaurant filled with the enticing aroma of grilled meat, Song Ran confidently chooses the barbecue and generously lets Li Zan order, stating that she has no dietary restrictions. The conversation shifts to Shen Bei, whom Song Ran mistakenly assumes is Li Zan’s girlfriend. Li Zan quickly clarifies, explaining that Shen Bei was introduced to him by a friend and that he has no romantic interest in her. It turns out that their meeting was arranged by Luo Zhan, and although Li Zan initially wanted to decline, he went along out of politeness. Shen Bei, being perceptive, sensed Li Zan’s feelings and, while expressing that she wouldn’t give up on liking him, respected his decision.
At this moment, Jiang Lin emerges from the selection site, trying to hide his failure, but Li Zan sees through it immediately. Jiang Lin jokes that Song Ran is better at cooperating, unlike him, who ended up in such a sorry state. He then introduces Li Zan to the group as a demining volunteer who has successfully passed the selection and is about to head to Hapu. Benjamin expresses skepticism, believing that Hapu is not a place for volunteers, but he too has passed the selection. Li Zan smiles calmly, stating that they share similar motivations, though his do not include financial gain.
Jiang Lin enthusiastically invites Song Ran to visit their camp and generously offers to give her some vegetables. Benjamin also joins in, saying he wants to tag along. Upon arriving at the camp, everyone is busy chasing a runaway goose, creating a rather comical scene. The goose nearly bumps into Song Ran, but Li Zan quickly steps in to help. A goose feather gently lands in Song Ran’s hair, and Li Zan thoughtfully reminds her to remove it, leaving Song Ran slightly embarrassed.
After collecting vegetables from Jiang Lin, Song Ran notices that Li Zan is still waiting for her and curiously asks why. Li Zan smiles and replies that it’s getting dark and he wants to escort her home. On the way, Song Ran asks about Li Zan’s plans for the next day and learns that he has a full day of training ahead, which might be his last day in the area. This news stirs mixed emotions in Song Ran.
Back at her residence, Song Ran receives a call from Sasin, informing her that a journalist has been injured and he has been urgently dispatched to assist. To her surprise, one of the injured is someone she knows. Song Ran immediately calls her director, expressing her willingness to go to Hapu to continue reporting. After some consideration, the director agrees to her request. Meanwhile, Shen Bei has quietly arrived in East Asia.
The next day, Song Ran sets off on her journey. Along the way, she encounters a military patrol. The soldiers carefully check her credentials and seem to know about her, even mentioning the photos she has taken. Song Ran politely borrows a map and marks the area she plans to visit, only to realize it belongs to someone else and quickly apologizes. The soldier, however, is understanding and tells her not to worry.
Not long after, Li Zan and his team happen to pass by the same area. The soldier mentions the Chinese girl they just met, and Li Zan immediately recognizes her as Song Ran. Seeing that she has marked a conflict zone on the map, Li Zan grows anxious.
Song Ran tries to avoid a group of people but is accidentally discovered. She quickly hides in a nearby house, her heart racing as the searchers look around outside. Just then, Li Zan unexpectedly appears, and Song Ran is both surprised and relieved. He signals for her to stay quiet, and she nods quickly. Li Zan leads her through the room, using the window as cover, and they agilely jump into another house. The searchers outside notice the window but find no footprints, so they give up on searching further.
Once the coast is clear, Li Zan quickly escorts Song Ran away. At this moment, Jiang Lin contacts them via radio, instructing Li Zan to take Song Ran to safety while they handle the aftermath. In this sudden crisis, the默契 and courage between Li Zan and Song Ran become each other’s strongest support.
