Only For Love - Episode 4-6 Recap
Episode 4 kicks off with a shocking revelation for Shuyi: her colleague exposes that Xu Yuling not only managed to secure an interview with Shi Yan but also pilfered her meticulously prepared interview outline. The realization that Shi Yan was aware of the theft and her subsequent embarrassment hits Shuyi hard.
As she grapples with this setback, Shuyi runs into her ex-boyfriend, Yue Xingzhou, on the street. With a smug grin, Yue Xingzhou flaunts his new car and reveals that he’s about to start a new job at Mingyu. His arrogant demeanor doesn't sit well with Bi Ruoshan, who seizes the moment to mock him, causing Yue Xingzhou to storm off in frustration.
This episode promises high drama and tension, as Shuyi’s professional setbacks collide with personal conflicts, setting the stage for an explosive continuation.
Bi Ruoshan’s support proves invaluable as she helps Zheng Shuyi secure a pivotal meeting with Situ Yi, leaving Shuyi deeply appreciative. With her sights set on transforming the digital magazine, Shuyi’s resolve to achieve her career ambitions remains unshaken.
Meanwhile, Bi Ruoshan, our female leads bestie, discovers that Xu Yuling and Zheng Shuyi both used the same interview outline for Shi Yan, realizing the need for fresh, compelling content to make an impact. Upon learning that Shuyi has inadvertently left something behind in Shi Yan's car, Bi Ruoshan seizes this opportunity, suggesting Shuyi use it as a chance to forge a closer connection with him.
Zheng Shuyi urgently calls Chen Sheng to borrow his phone, desperate to reach Shi Yan and recover her missing earring. She reveals to Shi Yan that the earring is a treasured family heirloom from her grandmother, a vital part of her dowry.
Shi Yan, holding the earring in his hand, can’t resist a teasing remark about its appearance, joking that it seems like plastic. Despite his playful comment, he agrees to let Shuyi come and retrieve it, sending her his location and adding a hint of intrigue to the situation. With the stakes high and emotions running deep, Shuyi’s quest for the cherished earring promises to add a compelling twist to their unfolding story.
When Shi Yan arrives home, he finds his niece, Qin Shimonth, and instructs her to stay in his room and keep out of sight. Zheng Shuyi pays a visit to Shi Yan’s residence and spots a striking photo of Song Lelan, leading her to speculate that Lelan might be Shi Yan’s idol. She begins to piece together that Cloud Creation might be torn between investing in Le’an and Lanye, noting Shi Yan’s clear focus on Lanye Technology from their interview.
Shuyi is also aware of the internal debates within Cloud Creation and sees the opportunity to leverage her interview with Shi Yan into an exclusive series. As she observes Shi Yan making lemon water, she can't help but be charmed by his effortless elegance at home. Her growing feelings for him are evident, but when she learns that Shi Yan's niece is still around, she decides to make a hasty exit to avoid an awkward encounter.
Qin Shimonth, eager to study abroad, boldly declared that with the family’s wealth and resources, she had ample time to savor life’s pleasures. She concocted a series of excuses to dodge work, hoping Shi Yan would relent. However, Shi Yan, unwavering and stern, made it clear that the Shi family had no tolerance for idleness. His refusal was absolute, emphasizing that hard work and contribution were non-negotiable.
While in the company restroom, Zheng Shuyi overhears Xu Yuling venting her frustrations about Tang Yi's decision to select Shuyi’s article. Xu Yuling bitterly accuses Shuyi of using her charm to win over Shi Yan, which she believes made Shuyi's interview responses more compelling and cost Xu Yuling her chance.
Determined to clear her name, Shuyi confronts Tang Yi about Xu Yuling's accusations and the stolen article. Tang Yi acknowledges Shuyi’s proven skills but advises her to adopt a more forgiving stance, reminding her that she has a long journey ahead with Financial Digest.
In the early hours of the morning, Shi Yan employs a firm hand to persuade Qin Shimonth to head to work, even threatening to cut off some of her expenses if she refuses. With little choice, Qin Shimonth begrudgingly agrees. Following their breakfast, Shi Yan personally drops off his niece at Financial Digest, ensuring she starts her day on the right foot.
Upon arriving at the office, Zheng Shuyi is unexpectedly assigned to mentor a new intern, only to discover that the intern is none other than Qin Shimonth. Unaware of Qin Shimonth’s true identity, Shuyi initially assumes she is a wealthy second-generation who might not be serious about the job. Despite her reservations, especially after Tang Yi’s insistence, Shuyi agrees to take on the mentorship role.
Xu Yuling, seizing the chance to connect with Shi Yan, schedules an interview with Guan Ji, hoping to use it as a stepping stone. Meanwhile, Qin Shimonth, reluctantly bound to her work duties, reaches out to Guan Ji for support. Despite her plea, Guan Ji can offer little help and advises her to focus on her job and stay calm.
During the interview, Xu Yuling's plan to obtain Guan Ji's contact information becomes apparent. However, Guan Ji, sharp and perceptive, quickly discerns her true intentions and skillfully finds a way to decline her request.
The scene sets up a web of intrigue and strategic maneuvering, with Xu Yuling’s ambitious schemes clashing against Guan Ji’s astute defenses and Qin Shimonth’s struggle to navigate her unexpected work environment.
In an attempt to win Zheng Shuyi’s favor, Qin Shimonth presents her with a gift, only for Shuyi to firmly decline and assign her some tasks instead. She also instructs Qin Shimonth to report back to her before the end of the day.
Meanwhile, Shi Yan uncovers that Mingyu has lent money to Lanye, and with the company’s financial struggles, they are leaning towards accepting Lanye’s acquisition offer. Determined to protect Le’an Technology’s future, Shi Yan rushes to persuade Chen Kang to weigh the long-term benefits of partnering with Le’an.
Understanding the gravity of Le’an’s financial strain, Shi Yan proposes a staged investment plan, demonstrating his commitment and strategic foresight. His thoughtful approach impresses Chen Kang, who agrees to grant Shi Yan additional time to solidify the partnership, setting the stage for a dramatic unfolding of business alliances and personal stakes.
After work, Xu Yuling proudly introduces the intern she's mentoring to everyone, but Zheng Shuyi can't help but notice the stark contrast between Qin Shimonth and Xu Yuling’s intern. She tries to brush off her unease, reminding herself that comparisons are counterproductive.
Back at home, Qin Shimonth vents her frustrations to her grandfather, dramatically portraying herself as a victim of her demanding work environment. She claims her supervisor, Zheng Shuyi, is uncooperative and refuses to teach her.
When Shi Yan catches wind of Qin Shimonth's complaints, he advises her to see the value in learning from Zheng Shuyi rather than wallowing in self-pity. His guidance hints at underlying tensions and sets the stage for further developments in their complex professional and personal dynamics.
At dinner, Shi Yan and his father delved into the company’s pressing operational issues. Shi Yan’s father reflected on the former brilliance of Mingyu’s uncles, whose innovative ideas once shaped the company, even though Shi Yan’s vision now diverged from theirs. He cautioned that while these uncles might not be able to assist, they should not become obstacles in Shi Yan's pursuit of progress.
Meanwhile, Zheng Shuyi’s article has finally passed the final editorial review, but Shi Yan remains unimpressed and refuses to approve it. Each revision to her interview transcript is met with further requests for changes, escalating the pressure on Shuyi. With the submission deadline looming, Tang Yi urges her to find a way to satisfy Shi Yan’s exacting standards, heightening the tension as Shuyi races against time to secure approval.
Shi Yan and Yu You embark on an exhilarating rock climbing adventure, using the high-altitude challenge as a backdrop for a crucial discussion. As they scale the heights, Shi Yan seizes the moment to enlist Yu You's help in reaching out to his former colleague, Bruce. He is eager to lure Bruce to Cloud Creation, convinced that Bruce’s expertise could be the key to overcoming Le’an’s daunting technical obstacles.
Yu You takes action, contacting Bruce and arranging a meeting with Shi Yan. However, securing Bruce’s commitment to address Le’an’s technical issues will hinge on Shi Yan’s ability to impress and persuade him. The stakes are high, with the future of Le’an’s technology hanging in the balance as Shi Yan prepares to make his pitch.
Zheng Shuyi finally manages to get Shi Yan's phone number from Tang Yi, but her repeated calls go unanswered. Frustrated, she turns to Chen Sheng for assistance, hoping he can bridge the communication gap. Chen Sheng, however, delivers Shi Yan’s firm refusal, stating he won't entertain personal matters during work hours and turning down Shuyi's request for a meeting.
Undeterred, Zheng Shuyi realizes the urgency of her situation, she needs to discuss revisions to her article and retrieve a precious earring she left behind. She feels the stakes are both professional and personal. Meanwhile, Shi Yan, wrapping up his busy day, notices the evening is settling in and decides to head home, preparing to await a significant visitor.
As Shi Yan arrives back at his residential area, he spots Zheng Shuyi waiting for him. With an air of indifference, he feigns ignorance about her intentions and casually inquires about her visit. Zheng Shuyi, convinced that Shi Yan’s repeated rejections of her article are part of a ploy to see her, confronts him with her theory.
Shi Yan, unfazed, dismisses the notion of any personal interest and instead focuses on the issues he found in her three drafts. He highlights each problem with a critical eye. Undeterred, Zheng Shuyi acknowledges the flaws and eagerly seeks Shi Yan’s insights, hoping his feedback will guide her in perfecting her article.
Following Shi Yan’s detailed feedback, Zheng Shuyi dives back into her revisions, only to receive a surprising invitation to continue her work at his home. As she toils over the edits in his stylish, intimidating environment, she finds herself disheartened by Shi Yan’s apparent indifference to her charm.
Meanwhile, Qin Shimonth, eager to sway her uncle's favor, brings a fine bottle of wine, hoping it might soften Shi Yan’s stance. However, her attempt is thwarted when she learns that Shi Yan is unavailable for a meeting. Guan Ji speculates that Shi Yan might be entertaining someone, sparking Qin Shimonth’s curiosity about her uncle’s potentially burgeoning romance.
After a grueling round of revisions, Shi Yan finally gives the green light to Zheng Shuyi’s article, just as the night grows late. Bursting with relief and excitement, Zheng Shuyi seizes the moment to pitch herself for a special feature interview and expresses her desire to see her article published in Finance Digest's electronic magazine.
With the professional matters settled, Shi Yan takes the opportunity to probe into Zheng Shuyi’s personal life, asking if her boyfriend is troubled by her late hours. Zheng Shuyi candidly reveals that she ended her relationship with her boyfriend the same day she met Shi Yan and boldly inquires if there’s a chance she could pursue him. Shi Yan is visibly taken aback by her audacious confession, his composure faltering as he grapples with her unexpected advance.
When Qin Shimonth visited her uncle's home, she caught sight of Zheng Shuyi leaving in a rush. Unbeknownst to her, Zheng Shuyi was involved in a secret encounter with her uncle, leaving her none the wiser about their connection.
Later, Zheng Shuyi vented her frustrations to Bi Ruoshan, recounting how Shi Yan had abruptly dismissed her after her bold confession. Bi Ruoshan, ever the perceptive friend, remarked that Shi Yan’s reaction was a classic sign of immaturity—often, those who are the most infatuated are the ones who push others away. She speculated that Shi Yan might have deliberately rejected Zheng Shuyi's drafts to draw her closer, hinting that he might already be harboring feelings for her.
Meanwhile, Qin Shimonth was taken aback when Shi Yan left abruptly after inviting someone for drinks, leading her to question his grasp of romance. She urged him to take a page from Guan Ji’s book on courtship and to be more assertive in pursuing his interests.
As the evening unfolded, Zheng Shuyi, emboldened by the realization that Shi Yan hadn’t outright rejected her advances, unleashed a flurry of text messages, determined to make her intentions clear and reignite their connection. Zheng Shuyi recognized that winning over the Guan family was pivotal for Mingyu's Cloud Creation. With the Guan family's recent invitation to Yu You to return to China clearly tied to potential collaboration, it was evident that Yu You's expertise was invaluable to them. Determined to leverage this opportunity, Zheng Shuyi schemed to meet with Yu You, hoping to unlock crucial insights into the future trajectory of Cloud Creation and position herself advantageously in this high-stakes game.
Shi Yan lured Yu You into a shooting session, strategically using the time to broach the subject of Bruce. Yu You revealed that Bruce thrived on excitement, adventure, and challenges—financial terms alone wouldn’t entice him. He advised Shi Yan to present intriguing and daring opportunities to reel Bruce back to China for work.
During this, Zheng Shuyi reached out to Yu You for advice, unaware that Shi Yan was listening in. As he overheard their conversation, a pang of jealousy struck him, intensifying his interest in the unfolding dynamics.
Xu Yuling stormed into Tang Yi's office, determined to secure a front-page spot for her article. Meanwhile, Zheng Shuyi was anxiously awaiting Cloud Creation’s final approval, which was still missing. Tang Yi delivered the ultimatum: if Cloud Creation didn't respond by midnight, Xu Yuling’s article would take the front page of Finance Digest.
Desperate, Zheng Shuyi reached out to Shi Yan for a swift approval. Yet, fueled by jealousy, Shi Yan deliberately withheld his response, causing a frenzy in the Finance Digest office. The entire department was thrust into an all-night scramble, racing against the clock as they awaited Shi Yan’s elusive green light.
DramaZen's Opinion
I’m still on the fence about the leads’ romantic chemistry—right now, it feels like a slow burn, but I'm crossing my fingers it doesn’t take until the final few episodes for them to finally show some affection. The business subplot, while intriguing, often overshadows their relationship, making it feel like we’re wading through endless, drawn-out tropes. It’s been so frustrating at times that I found myself fast-forwarding, desperate to see if anything actually shifts in the storyline. Here’s hoping the romance starts heating up soon!
On a side note: Shi Yan is clearly driven to make his mark in the business world, and it's fascinating to watch him juggle immense stress while maintaining a calm facade. I suspect this struggle is something Zheng Shuyi will play a key role in addressing as their relationship deepens. In turn, Shi Yan’s support might be just what Shuyi needs to build the confidence to chase her own ambitions. This dynamic could lead to some compelling growth for both characters.
I’m getting the sense that a thrilling love triangle involving Yu You might be on the horizon. This could ignite some major sparks between the leads, pushing Shi Yan to finally take decisive action. Right now, it seems like he's keeping his heart guarded, testing whether Zheng Shuyi's feelings are genuine. On the flip side, Shuyi herself hasn’t yet come to terms with the fact that her feelings for Shi Yan might be deepening beyond mere admiration. The tension and intrigue are definitely building!