The night prior, after sobbing into Liu Zhengshuo's comforting embrace, Li Zhi'an found herself experiencing a curious blend of bashfulness and exhilaration whenever in his presence. Concerned that the ordeal with Ding Wenji might leave Li Zhi'an physically and emotionally drained, Liu Zhengshuo devised a plan to whisk her away to Seoul for some much-needed relaxation, cleverly using the guise of an academic conference as an excuse. To everyone's surprise, Li Ruzhen, who had initially declined the invitation, did an about-face and eagerly agreed to join them. Thus, the trio embarked on a journey to a Seoul university, which also happened to be the alma mater of Yoo Jung-suk and Lee Ru-jung.
As Yoo and Lee reminisced about their shared past, a language known only to them, Li Zhi'an couldn't shake off the feeling of being an outsider. Following the meeting, Liu Zhengshuo vented his frustration to Li Ruzhen before setting off to track down Li Zhi'an, who was meandering around the sprawling campus. In the school's vibrant fountain area, the two found themselves giggling and chasing each other, their bond unfolding in a warm, intimate manner akin to lifelong friends. Li Zhi'an casually mentioned having left her mark on this very campus, revealing she once worked at a construction site there. Though this revelation stirred a pang of sadness in Liu Zhengshuo, Li Zhi'an assured him that all her experiences were worthwhile, especially considering the joy her daughter brought into her life.
By chance, Li Zhi'an overheard a conversation between Liu Zhengshuo and Li Ruzhen's younger relative, unearthing the true reason behind their breakup. Liu Zhengshuo, still deeply scarred by the past, began to harbor feelings for Li Zhi'an that transcended mere gratitude; she was the one who truly understood his innermost thoughts. Meanwhile, Li Xiaoli, haunted by the harrowing sight of Ding Wenji's accident, started deliberately distancing himself from his mother. Noticing the shift in her son's behavior, Li Zhi'an delicately inquired about the cause. With a heavy heart, Li Xiaoli confessed his fear that without him, his mother might end up like that frail old lady. Touched by his words, Li Zhi'an produced the annual pass to the Academy of Fine Arts that she had eagerly secured for her and her daughter, promising Li Xiaoli that she would lead a fulfilling life, cherishing each day to the fullest, regardless of what fate had in store.
