Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Lan meets Wu Liang at the morning market, who introduces himself as "Passerby A" and helps Luo Lan pay for fruit.
• Luo Lan finds Wu Liang familiar but can't place him.
• At the Student Council meeting, Su Qian, with Ning Shuang's support, asks Wu Liang for help to save her family's business. Wu Liang agrees to help on the condition that Su Qian returns the money later.
• Milutin suggests Wu Liang and Su Qian meet the parents soon.

Character Developments

• Wu Liang shows kindness and understanding towards Su Qian, considering her self-esteem by framing the help as a loan rather than charity.
• Su Qian struggles with accepting Wu Liang's help but ultimately agrees.
• Luo Lan feels a sense of familiarity with Wu Liang but can't recall where he knows him from.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and understanding in helping others.
• The struggle between accepting help and maintaining self-esteem.
• The theme of familiarity and recognition.

Character Interactions

• Wu Liang and Su Qian: Wu Liang shows understanding and kindness towards Su Qian, while Su Qian is initially hesitant but eventually accepts his help.
• Luo Lan and Wu Liang: Luo Lan feels a sense of familiarity with Wu Liang but can't place him.
• Milutin and Yao Shi: Milutin suggests Wu Liang and Su Qian meet the parents, while Yao Shi remains silent and disapproving.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Ranxin, the principal, is reluctant to attend an inter-academy exchange meeting at Imperial Moon Academy.
• Yun Xi, the gardener, enters Qiao Ranxin's office, dirty and disheveled from working in the garden.
• Qiao Ranxin mentions that Xinying, Qiao Xinying's daughter, will return soon, hinting at an upcoming confrontation.

Character Developments

• Qiao Ranxin: Shows her lazy and indifferent nature, but also displays care and affection towards Yun Xi.
• Yun Xi: Demonstrates her hardworking and playful personality, showing no fear of Qiao Ranxin's authority.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between Qiao Ranxin's public image as a principal and her private, laid-back personality.
• The power dynamics between Qiao Ranxin and Yun Xi, showing that Qiao Ranxin cares for Yun Xi despite their hierarchical difference.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Ranxin and Yun Xi: Their interaction is playful and affectionate, with Qiao Ranxin treating Yun Xi like a younger sister or a favorite student.
• Qiao Ranxin mentions Xinying, foreshadowing a potential conflict or reunion with Qiao Xinying.

Chapter Twenty: The Park's Transformation

Qiao Xinying walked along the winding path, her eyes taking in the changes around her.
The once-overgrown weeds and dilapidated benches were nowhere to be seen. Instead, she found neatly trimmed grass and well-maintained wooden benches that invited her to sit and rest.
The park's renovation was meticulous and thorough. Every detail was carefully thought out, from the design of the stone archway at the entrance to the delicate carvings on the wooden signposts.
The renovation team had even gone so far as to preserve the original layout of the park, with the same paths and water features, but with a modern twist.
The old, rusty metal sculptures had been replaced by sleek, contemporary pieces that added a touch of elegance to the park.
The once-dreary and forgotten park was now a vibrant and inviting space that seemed to come alive with the laughter and chatter of the people enjoying it.
As Qiao Xinying walked deeper into the park, she noticed that the old, crumbling fountain had been restored to its former glory. The water flowed freely and clearly, reflecting the sunlight and casting dancing patterns on the surrounding stones.
The once-empty pond was now filled with colorful koi fish, their scales shimmering in the sunlight. The lily pads on the surface of the water were in full bloom, their white petals contrasting with the deep green leaves.
Qiao Xinying approached the fountain, her eyes drawn to the intricate carvings on the stone basin. She reached out to touch the cool, smooth surface, tracing the patterns with her fingertips.
"This is... the same fountain from my childhood," she murmured, her eyes widening in surprise.
She had expected the park to be demolished, replaced by a towering skyscraper or a bustling shopping mall. But instead, it had been painstakingly restored, every detail preserved and enhanced.
As she continued to explore the park, she found that even the old, twisted trees had been cared for. Their gnarled branches were now adorned with vibrant, green leaves, and their trunks were supported by sturdy wooden braces.
The park was no longer the forgotten, desolate place of her childhood. It was a thriving, living space that seemed to breathe with the rhythm of the city.
Qiao Xinying sat down on one of the wooden benches, her eyes scanning the park before her. She felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, as if she had played a part in its transformation.
She leaned back against the bench, her eyes closing as she took a deep breath. The air was filled with the scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers, a stark contrast to the smog and noise of the city.
As she sat there, she heard the laughter of children playing nearby, their joyous shouts echoing through the park. She opened her eyes and watched as they chased each other around the fountain, their faces flushed with excitement.
A soft smile played on her lips as she watched them, their happiness infectious. She felt a warmth spread through her chest, a contentment that she hadn't felt in a long time.
In that moment, she knew that she had found something special, something that had been lost to her for many years. And she was determined to hold onto it, to nurture it, and to let it grow.
Because in that moment, she had found her way back home.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Xinying visits a park in Yanghai City and finds it mostly unchanged, except for a scenic spot created by an unknown benefactor.
• She meets a handsome young man from Huihuangxing Academy on a swing, who seems familiar to her.

Character Developments

• Qiao Xinying: She shows curiosity and confidence in interacting with the young man. She also displays a keen interest in the park's changes and the mysterious benefactor.
• Wu Liang: He feels a strange sense of familiarity with Qiao Xinying but can't recall where he knows her from. He's also struggling to figure out how to act as Su Qian's boyfriend.

Significant Themes

• Familiarity and memory: Qiao Xinying feels a sense of familiarity with the park and the young man, while Wu Liang feels a similar sensation but can't pinpoint why.
• First impressions and initial interactions: Both characters are trying to make a good impression on each other, with Qiao Xinying being more confident and Wu Liang being awkward.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Xinying and Wu Liang: They meet for the first time, but both feel a strange sense of familiarity. Qiao Xinying is more confident and direct in their interaction, while Wu Liang is awkward and uncertain. They exchange words, with Qiao Xinying teasing Wu Liang about his approach to girls.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Xinying meets Wu Liang in the park and learns he's a student at Huihuangxing Academy.
• Qiao Xinying asks Wu Liang about Principal Qiao Ranxin, his mother.
• Wu Liang reveals his negative opinion of Qiao Ranxin, describing her as lazy, indolent, and a student-teaser.
• Qiao Xinying is shocked and disbelieving of Wu Liang's words.

Character Developments

• Qiao Xinying: Starts with a high opinion of her mother, becomes shocked and displeased when hearing negative information about her.
• Wu Liang: Shows a sinister side, enjoys shattering Qiao Xinying's illusions about Qiao Ranxin.

Significant Themes

• The truth behind appearances.
• The dangers of idolizing someone without knowing their true nature.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Xinying and Wu Liang: Qiao Xinying asks Wu Liang about her mother, leading to a heated exchange of views.
• Qiao Ranxin (off-screen): Her reputation is discussed, causing Qiao Xinying to become upset.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Xinying and Wu Liang have a heated argument, leading to Qiao Xinying leaving in anger.
• Su Qian reflects on her feelings for Wu Liang and decides to tell her father about them.

Character Developments

• Qiao Xinying: Realizes Wu Liang isn't the friend she thought he was and leaves in anger.
• Wu Liang: Feels disrespected by Qiao Xinying and is displeased with her attitude.
• Su Qian: Admits to herself that she has feelings for Wu Liang and decides to tell her father.

Significant Themes

• Communication and Misunderstanding: Qiao Xinying and Wu Liang's argument highlights the importance of clear communication to avoid misunderstandings.
• Trust and Betrayal: Su Qian's trust in Wu Liang grows, but she also feels betrayed by his actions.
• Love and Sacrifice: Su Qian's love for Wu Liang makes her willing to sacrifice her own happiness for her family.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Xinying and Wu Liang: Their interaction is filled with tension and anger, leading to a falling out.
• Su Qian and her father: Su Qian confides in her father about her feelings for Wu Liang, showing their close relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qian confesses to her father that she has found someone she likes, shocking him.
• She reveals that the person is Wu Liang, the Young Master of the Wu Family.
• Her father is initially skeptical but eventually accepts her choice.

Character Developments

• Su Qian: Shows her determination and seriousness in choosing a partner, surprising her father.
• Her father: Initially resistant to Su Qian's choice but ultimately accepts it.

Significant Themes

• Love and Relationships: Su Qian's confession to her father highlights her growing feelings for Wu Liang.
• Family and Responsibility: Her father's initial resistance is driven by his desire to protect Su Qian and the Su Family's reputation.

Character Interactions

• Su Qian and her father: Their conversation reveals Su Qian's newfound feelings and her father's protective instincts.
• Su Qian and Wu Liang: Though not present, Wu Liang's influence on Su Qian is evident in her confession.

Key Plot Points and Events:

• Yao Qing manipulates a meeting between Yao Shi and Wu Xingsheng.
• Qiao Xinying learns about her mother's reclusive lifestyle from a student and misunderstands him.
• Roland confirms the student's account, and Qiao Xinying decides to visit her mother.
  Character Developments:
• Yao Qing: Manipulative and cunning, he arranges the meeting between Yao Shi and Wu Xingsheng.
• Yao Shi: Suspicious of Yao Qing's intentions, she confronts him about his involvement in strange incidents.
• Qiao Xinying: Initially angry and impulsive upon learning about her mother's lifestyle, she later feels remorseful and decides to visit her mother.
• Roland: Awkwardly reveals the truth about Qiao Xinying's mother to her, feeling sorry for the student she met.
  Significant Themes:
• Manipulation and deception: Yao Qing's actions highlight the theme of manipulation and deception.
• Truth and perception: The student's account of Qiao Xinying's mother challenges Qiao Xinying's perception of her mother's life.
  Character Interactions:
• Yao Shi and Yao Qing: Their interaction reveals Yao Qing's cunning and Yao Shi's suspicion.
• Qiao Xinying and Roland: Their conversation leads to Qiao Xinying learning the truth about her mother's lifestyle.
• Qiao Xinying and the student: Although they don't interact directly in this chapter, Qiao Xinying's misunderstanding of the student is a significant event.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Xingsheng returns to Yanghai City secretly, but Yao Qing, his driver, reveals his arrival to Wu Xingsheng's maids, Yao Shi and Milutin.
• Wu Xingsheng tries to pat Milutin's head, but she instinctively dodges, showing her loyalty to Wu Liang (the Young Master).
• Yao Shi suggests they continue the conversation in the car to avoid drawing attention.

Character Developments

• Wu Xingsheng: He's surprised by Milutin's reaction and realizes her loyalty to Wu Liang. He also has questions for Yao Shi and Milutin.
• Yao Qing: He's playful and mischievous, enjoying the tension between Wu Xingsheng and Milutin. He's also aware of the changes in Milutin and Yao Shi.
• Milutin: She dodges Wu Xingsheng's attempt to pat her head, showing her deep loyalty and affection for Wu Liang. She's also more assertive and confident.
• Yao Shi: She's calm and collected, prioritizing discretion and avoiding public attention. She's also loyal to Wu Liang.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty: Milutin's and Yao Shi's loyalty to Wu Liang is a significant theme. They prioritize his well-being and interests above all else.
• Change: The characters have all changed since Wu Xingsheng last saw them. Milutin is more confident, Yao Shi is more assertive, and Yao Qing is more playful.
• Communication: The characters need to communicate openly to address their concerns and questions, as hinted by Yao Shi's suggestion to talk in the car.

Character Interactions

• Wu Xingsheng and Yao Qing: They have a playful, almost adversarial relationship. Yao Qing enjoys teasing Wu Xingsheng, while Wu Xingsheng is exasperated by Yao Qing's behavior.
• Wu Xingsheng and Milutin: Their interaction highlights Milutin's loyalty to Wu Liang. Wu Xingsheng is surprised and slightly amused by her reaction.
• Yao Shi and Wu Xingsheng: They maintain a respectful distance. Yao Shi is calm and collected, while Wu Xingsheng is curious about her and Milutin's changes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Xingsheng arrives in Yanghai City, but decides not to stay at his home due to his estranged relationship with his son, Wu Liang.
• Yao Qing takes Wu Xingsheng to a luxurious hotel instead of the one initially agreed upon, raising suspicions about Yao Qing's intentions.
• Wu Xingsheng and Yao Shi enter the hotel, while Yao Qing stays behind to park the car.

Character Developments

• Wu Xingsheng: Shows concern for Wu Liang's well-being but maintains his distance, revealing a hint of care beneath his stern exterior.
• Yao Qing: Acts strangely, deliberately revealing Wu Xingsheng's whereabouts to Yao Shi and Milutin, and taking Wu Xingsheng to an unexpected hotel.
• Yao Shi: Becomes suspicious of Yao Qing's actions and starts questioning his motives.

Significant Themes

• The strained relationship between Wu Xingsheng and Wu Liang, hinting at a possible reconciliation.
• The power dynamics and loyalty within the Wu family, as Yao Qing's actions challenge Wu Xingsheng's authority.
• The theme of deception and manipulation, as Yao Qing's true intentions remain unclear.

Character Interactions

• Wu Xingsheng and Yao Shi: Wu Xingsheng treats Yao Shi respectfully, acknowledging her as a capable assistant, while Yao Shi remains loyal and attentive to his needs.
• Yao Qing and Wu Xingsheng: Yao Qing's actions challenge Wu Xingsheng's authority, hinting at a potential power struggle within the family.
• Yao Qing and Yao Shi: Yao Qing's strange behavior raises Yao Shi's suspicions, hinting at a possible conflict between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Xinying and Luo Lan decide to visit the academy to see Qiao Ranxin but arrive too late.
• They decide to visit Yun Xi instead, hoping to learn more about Qiao Ranxin's life.
• Yao Shi, Wu Xingsheng, and Qiao Xinying's paths cross at the hotel, but none of them recognize each other.
• Yao Qing, hidden, observes the encounter and is disappointed that Wu Xingsheng didn't recognize Qiao Xinying.

Character Developments

• Qiao Xinying: She's determined to find out the truth about her mother and is willing to apologize to Wu Xingsheng if she was wrong about him.
• Wu Xingsheng: He feels a sense of familiarity with Qiao Xinying but doesn't recognize her.
• Yao Shi: She feels a brief familiarity with Qiao Xinying but dismisses it as her imagination.
• Yao Qing: He enjoys his role as a matchmaker and looks forward to the Young Master's interactions with the women in his life.

Significant Themes

• Recognition and memory: Characters struggle to recognize each other due to the passage of time and changes in appearance.
• Familiarity vs. recognition: Characters feel a sense of familiarity but struggle to pinpoint why or how they know each other.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Xinying and Luo Lan: They interact as a master and servant, with Qiao Xinying showing concern for Luo Lan's strange behavior.
• Yao Shi and Wu Xingsheng: They interact as master and servant, with Yao Shi dismissing her brief familiarity with Qiao Xinying.
• Yao Qing and the characters: Yao Qing observes the interactions between the characters, enjoying his role as a matchmaker and manipulator.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yun Xi enjoys her free time after Qiao Ranxin leaves, basking in the sun and humming songs.
• She has a nightmare about a giant, human-legged salted fish chasing her.
• Qiao Xinying and Luo Lan return unexpectedly, finding Yun Xi having a nightmare.
• Qiao Xinying decides to explore the villa.

Character Developments

• Yun Xi: She shows her childish and frightened side during the nightmare, but quickly reverts to her fiery and confident self upon waking. She's happy to see Qiao Xinying and shows off her gardening skills.
• Qiao Xinying: She returns home unexpectedly, wanting to surprise Yun Xi. She's curious about her mother's living environment and decides to explore the villa.

Significant Themes

• The theme of homecoming and surprise is evident as Qiao Xinying returns home unexpectedly.
• The contrast between Yun Xi's childish nightmare and her confident waking self highlights her resilience and adaptability.

Character Interactions

• Yun Xi and Qiao Xinying: They're happy to see each other after five years. Yun Xi shows off her gardening skills and offers Qiao Xinying snacks and ice pops.
• Yun Xi and Luo Lan: They don't interact much in this chapter, but Yun Xi seems comfortable with Luo Lan's presence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Xinying returns home and sees the messy state of her mother's room, shattering her perfect image of Qiao Ranxin.
• Yun Xi tries to cover up for Qiao Ranxin, blaming the mess on a busy day, but Qiao Xinying isn't convinced.
• Qiao Xinying decides to wait for her mother and clean up the room in the meantime.

Character Developments

• Qiao Xinying: Realizes her mother is not perfect and decides to confront her about it.
• Yun Xi: Tries to protect Qiao Ranxin's image and takes responsibility for not cleaning the room.

Significant Themes

• Perception vs. Reality: Qiao Xinying's idealized image of her mother is challenged when she sees the true state of her room.
• Responsibility: Yun Xi feels responsible for not cleaning Qiao Ranxin's room and tries to cover up for her.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Xinying and Yun Xi: Qiao Xinying is initially shocked and disappointed by the state of her mother's room, but she decides to clean it with Yun Xi's help, showing maturity and understanding.
• Qiao Xinying and Qiao Ranxin: Qiao Xinying plans to wait for her mother and have a conversation with her about the state of her room, indicating a shift in their relationship dynamic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Liang is struggling to find a solution to help Su Qian and her family.
• He decides he needs to meet with his father, Wu Xingsheng, to gain more authority.
• Han Yu confronts Wu Liang about his feelings for Su Qian.
• Su Qian's father invites Wu Liang to their home for a talk.

Character Developments

• Wu Liang is growing more concerned and involved in Su Qian's issues, showing his evolving feelings for her.
• Han Yu is becoming more open and direct about her feelings for Wu Liang.
• Su Qian is trying to navigate her father's expectations and Wu Liang's transformation.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between old perceptions and new realities (Wu Xingsheng's view of Wu Liang vs. Wu Liang's transformation).
• The complexities of family dynamics and expectations (Su Qian's relationship with her father).
• The evolution of feelings and relationships (Wu Liang's growing affection for Su Qian).

Character Interactions

• Wu Liang and Han Yu have a tense conversation about his feelings for Su Qian.
• Wu Liang and Su Qian discuss the upcoming meeting with her father.
• Wu Liang's internal dialogue reveals his thoughts and struggles regarding his father and his new life.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Liang plans to meet Su Qian's father, needing to convince him he can save the Su Family without revealing their fake relationship.
• Su Qian offers to accompany Wu Liang, suggesting they practice couple-like behavior to make their relationship more convincing.
• Milutin and Yao Shi return to the Student Council Room, finding Wu Liang and Su Qian in an intimate embrace.
• Yao Shi correctly guesses that they were practicing being a couple.

Character Developments

• Wu Liang: Struggles with acting natural in his fake relationship, especially when intimate with Su Qian.
• Su Qian: Shows initiative in helping Wu Liang prepare for meeting her father, revealing her growing comfort with their fake relationship.
• Yao Shi: Demonstrates self-control and understanding, guessing the truth about Wu Liang and Su Qian's actions and keeping her composure.

Significant Themes

• The complexities of fake relationships and the blurring of lines between pretense and genuine feelings.
• The challenges of maintaining a facade in high-stakes situations, such as Wu Liang's meeting with Su Qian's father.

Character Interactions

• Wu Liang and Su Qian: Their interaction shows growing comfort with each other, hinting at potential genuine feelings developing.
• Yao Shi and Milutin: Yao Shi's calm reaction to Su Qian and Wu Liang's intimacy contrasts with Milutin's initial shock and concern.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Liang and Yao Shi visit the Su Family to meet Su Qian's father, Su Chengluo.
• Su Chengluo is initially displeased with Wu Liang's presence and is reluctant to accept his help.
• Wu Liang introduces Yao Shi and Milutin as his maids but also as friends, emphasizing they are not treated as servants.

Character Developments

• Wu Liang: He remains calm and polite, showing gentlemanly behavior towards Su Qian's mother. He also demonstrates his care for Su Qian by shielding her and using her affectionate nickname.
• Su Qian: She feels nervous and shy around Wu Liang, struggling to call him her boyfriend. She also shows concern for her mother's reaction to Wu Liang.
• Su Chengluo: He is displeased with Wu Liang's presence and is unwilling to accept his help. He is aware of Wu Liang's reputation as a scoundrel and is determined to drive him away to protect his daughter's happiness.

Significant Themes

• Social Status and Wealth: The Wu Family's influence and wealth are emphasized, contrasting with the Su Family's current predicament. This highlights the power dynamics between the two families.
• Perception and Reality: Wu Liang's reputation precedes him, but his behavior in this chapter shows a more gentlemanly and caring side, challenging Su Chengluo's initial perception of him.

Character Interactions

• Wu Liang and Su Qian: They interact as a couple, with Wu Liang showing care and concern for Su Qian. They also share a moment of understanding when Su Qian struggles to call him her boyfriend.
• Su Qian and her mother: They share a moment of understanding when Su Qian explains the presence of Yao Shi and Milutin as Wu Liang's maids.
• Su Chengluo and Wu Liang: Their interaction is tense, with Su Chengluo initially displeased and unwilling to accept Wu Liang's help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Chengluo is late for a meeting with Wu Liang, who has arrived early with Su Qian.
• Wu Liang introduces himself as Su Qian's boyfriend, shocking Su Chengluo.
• Wu Liang expresses his determination to keep Su Qian, not allowing her to be married off to another family.

Character Developments

• Wu Liang: He has transformed from a villainous hooligan to a polite and gentlemanly young man, deeply devoted to Su Qian. He is willing to do anything to keep her by his side.
• Su Chengluo: He is initially shocked by Wu Liang's transformation and his determination to keep Su Qian. He begins to see Wu Liang in a new light.

Significant Themes

• Transformation: Wu Liang's transformation from a villainous character to a gentlemanly one is a significant theme. This change highlights the potential for growth and redemption in characters.
• Love and Determination: Wu Liang's determination to keep Su Qian, even in the face of potential disapproval from her family, emphasizes the power of love and the lengths one might go to protect it.

Character Interactions

• Wu Liang and Su Chengluo: Their interaction is tense initially, with Su Chengluo shocked by Wu Liang's transformation. However, Wu Liang's determination to keep Su Qian begins to earn Su Chengluo's respect.
• Wu Liang and Su Qian: Wu Liang's words and actions show his deep affection for Su Qian, making her question if his feelings are genuine.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Chengluo, Wu Liang, and Yao Shi have a private discussion in the study.
• Milutin is left out and feels jealous of Yao Shi's closeness with Wu Liang.
• Su Qian and Milutin have a conversation in the living room, with Su Qian expressing her envy of Milutin's and Han Yu's bravery in love.

Character Developments

• Su Chengluo: Realizes his mistake in underestimating Wu Liang and apologizes to Qianqian.
• Wu Liang: Shows maturity and trust in Yao Shi by involving her in the business discussion.
• Yao Shi: Demonstrates her professionalism and importance in the Wu family's affairs.
• Milutin: Experiences jealousy and insecurity about her position with Wu Liang, showing a rare vulnerable side.
• Su Qian: Reflects on her own hesitance in love, comparing herself to Milutin and Han Yu.

Significant Themes

• The importance of trust and professionalism in business, as shown by Wu Liang's reliance on Yao Shi.
• The complexities of love and relationships, with Milutin and Su Qian both grappling with their feelings.

Character Interactions

• Su Chengluo and Wu Liang: Have a tense but productive discussion about business matters.
• Wu Liang and Yao Shi: Display a close, trusting relationship, with Yao Shi acting as Wu Liang's representative in the discussion.
• Milutin and Yao Shi: Show tension and jealousy, with Milutin feeling left out and Yao Shi being possessive of Wu Liang's attention.
• Su Qian and Milutin: Have a heart-to-heart conversation, with Su Qian expressing her admiration for Milutin's boldness in love and her own hesitance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Ranxin, the principal, returns home late and goes to sleep without turning on the lights.
• Her daughter, Qiao Xinying, returns unexpectedly and finds Qiao Ranxin in a disheveled state, shattering Xinying's perfect image of her mother.
• Xinying confronts Qiao Ranxin about her lies and lack of authenticity.

Character Developments

• Qiao Ranxin: Struggles with maintaining her image and is embarrassed when exposed. She eventually apologizes to Xinying for her past lies.
• Qiao Xinying: Discovers her mother's true nature and feels disappointed. She expresses her desire for a more authentic relationship with her mother.
• Yun Xi: Tries to defend Qiao Ranxin but fails. She is rewarded with a couple of days off for her efforts.

Significant Themes

• Authenticity vs. Facades: Qiao Ranxin's struggle with maintaining her perfect image and Xinying's desire for authenticity in their relationship.
• Communication and Honesty: The lack of open communication between mother and daughter leads to misunderstandings and disappointment.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Ranxin and Qiao Xinying: Their conversation reveals the tension and miscommunication between them, leading to an apology from Qiao Ranxin.
• Qiao Ranxin and Yun Xi: Qiao Ranxin rewards Yun Xi for her efforts, showing a level of appreciation for her assistant.

"Mom, I think I should observe for a while..."
Qiao Xinying hadn't expected her mother to agree so easily. She had thought her mother would try to persuade her on Wu Liang's behalf. Why was she agreeing so easily now?
"You are my daughter, of course, I will go along with my daughter's wishes. Am I supposed to speak up for that Wu Liang brat?"
"Even if he has become very outstanding now, if my precious daughter doesn't like him, I won't have any objections."
Qiao Ranxin picked up her wine glass, took a sip of the red wine, and smiled elegantly.
She wasn't particularly interested in the feelings between young people, but she actually hoped that Xinying would pay a little more attention to Wu Liang.
After all, she had seen all the changes in that brat. The current Wu Liang was no longer the hooligan he used to be.
If Xinying could spend some time with Wu Liang, she figured her daughter might change her mind about him.
"Hmm... there's no need to be too hasty... I think I should observe for a while..."
Qiao Xinying hadn't expected her mother to agree so easily. She had thought her mother would try to persuade her on Wu Liang's behalf. Why was she agreeing so easily now?
"You are my daughter, of course, I will go along with my daughter's wishes. Am I supposed to speak up for that Wu Liang brat?"
"Even if he has become very outstanding now, if my precious daughter doesn't like him, I won't have any objections."
Qiao Ranxin picked up her wine glass, took a sip of the red wine, and smiled elegantly.
She wasn't particularly interested in the feelings between young people, but she actually hoped that Xinying would pay a little more attention to Wu Liang.
After all, she had seen all the changes in that brat. The current Wu Liang was no longer the hooligan he used to be.
If Xinying could spend some time with Wu Liang, she figured her daughter might change her mind about him.
"Hmm... there's no need to be too hasty... I think I should observe for a while..."
Qiao Xinying hadn't expected her mother to agree so easily. She had thought her mother would try to persuade her on Wu Liang's behalf. Why was she agreeing so easily now?
"You are my daughter, of course, I will go along with my daughter's wishes. Am I supposed to speak up for that Wu Liang brat?"
"Even if he has become very outstanding now, if my precious daughter doesn't like him, I won't have any objections."
Qiao Ranxin picked up her wine glass, took a sip of the red wine, and smiled elegantly.
She wasn't particularly interested in the feelings between young people, but she actually hoped that Xinying would pay a little more attention to Wu Liang.
After all, she had seen all the changes in that brat. The current Wu Liang was no longer the hooligan he used to be.
If Xinying could spend some time with Wu Liang, she figured her daughter might change her mind about him.
"Hmm... there's no need to be too hasty... I think I should observe for a while..."
Qiao Xinying hadn't expected her mother to agree so easily. She had thought her mother would try to persuade her on Wu Liang's behalf. Why was she agreeing so easily now?
"You are my daughter, of course, I will go along with my daughter's wishes. Am I supposed to speak up for that Wu Liang brat?"
"Even if he has become very outstanding now, if my precious daughter doesn't like him, I won't have any objections."
Qiao Ranxin picked up her wine glass, took a sip of the red wine, and smiled elegantly.
She wasn't particularly interested in the feelings between young people, but she actually hoped that Xinying would pay a little more attention to Wu Liang.
After all, she had seen all the changes in that brat. The current Wu Liang was no longer the hooligan he used to be.
If Xinying could spend some time with Wu Liang, she figured her daughter might change her mind about him.
"Hmm... there's no need to be too hasty... I think I should observe for a while..."
Qiao Xinying hadn't expected her mother to agree so easily. She had thought her mother would try to persuade her on Wu Liang's behalf. Why was she agreeing so easily now?
"You are my daughter, of course, I will go along with my daughter's wishes. Am I supposed to speak up for that Wu Liang brat?"
"Even if he has become very outstanding now, if my precious daughter doesn't like him, I won't have any objections."
Q