Only For Love- Episode 13-15

After a rather dry and still uneventful episode last week, I'm starting to slowly give up hope on these leads every having chemistry. So, let's just jump into the next 3 episodes in hopes that something good finally happens!

Tang Yi informed Xu Yuling that she couldn’t give her the front page this month because Zheng Shuyi had already submitted the first draft of her exclusive interview with Guan Xiangcheng earlier that morning. Given Guan Xiangcheng's prominence, it was only natural that the editor would reserve the front page for this high-profile piece. Xu Yuling couldn’t help but speculate about how Zheng Shuyi managed to captivate Guan Xiangcheng, suspecting she might have compromised her own integrity for the coveted spot. Tang Yi, knowing Zheng Shuyi’s reputation and dedication, firmly warned Xu Yuling against spreading baseless rumors.

Bitter over losing the coveted front page, Xu Yuling lashed out, accusing Zheng Shuyi of deliberately undermining her to secure the interview with Guan Xiangcheng. She insinuated that Zheng Shuyi must have used her charm to seduce her way into the spotlight. Zheng Shuyi, far from being enraged, calmly reflected that if her beauty had truly been the game-changer, Xu Yuling wouldn’t have even had the chance to confront her with such accusations.

Tang Yi discovered that Shi Yan had given Zheng Shuyi the green light to feature a special interview with Yunchuang in the e-magazine. With Tang Yi’s backing, Zheng Shuyi would test this new format, with the potential to make it a permanent fixture if successful.

Meanwhile, at a family dinner, Qin Shiyue regaled her mother and uncle with stories from the office, including the buzz surrounding Zheng Shuyi and her growing popularity among the male staff. The revelation struck a nerve with Shi Yan, igniting a surge of jealousy and insecurity. Just as Zheng Shuyi extended an invitation to thank Shi Yan over dinner, he seized the chance to meet her, agreeing to the weekend gathering with a newfound determination to stake his claim.

Zheng Shuyi, glowing in her elegant attire, was all set for the weekend banquet when her plans took an unexpected turn. Her mother swooped in, whisking her away for a dinner with Yu You instead. At the table, Zheng’s mother couldn’t stop heaping praise on Yu You, pushing Shuyi and Yu You into the spotlight together. Meanwhile, Qin Shiyue had hoped to use the weekend to catch a movie with Yu You, only to be thwarted by his family obligations. Undeterred, she turned to Zheng Shuyi with the same request. To her dismay, Zheng Shuyi declined, citing her own commitment to her mother. This turn of events left Qin Shiyue feeling frustrated and deflated.

Zheng Shuyi’s plans to meet Shi Yan were abruptly derailed when her mother decided to play matchmaker, leaving her and Yu You alone under the pretense of a leisurely walk. To make matters worse, Zheng’s mother had already secured movie tickets, ensuring an evening of enforced intimacy between Shuyi and Yu You. Feeling trapped by her mother's matchmaking schemes, Zheng Shuyi could only sigh in resignation. She quickly sent a heartfelt message to Shi Yan, apologizing for the change of plans and promising to make it up to him with an invitation for dinner another time.

Even though Qin Shiyue was seated alone in the cinema, she kept Yu You updated on the film’s plot via text, her excitement palpable through her messages. To her surprise, Yu You discovered that they were both in the same theater. As the credits rolled, Zheng Shuyi happened to spot Qin Shiyue from across the room. Fearing that her presence would blow her cover, Zheng swiftly slipped out of the cinema, her escape as swift and discreet as her initial entry.

As Qin Shiyue met Yu You at the cinema’s entrance, she was puzzled to see no one else with him. Seizing the moment, she asked Yu You for a ride home, and the ever-gentlemanly Yu You gladly agreed. During the drive, Qin Shiyue's curiosity was piqued when she spotted a lipstick in the car, mistakenly assuming it belonged to Yu You’s girlfriend. Noticing her misinterpretation, Yu You chose to remain silent, letting the misunderstanding linger in the air.

When Zheng Shuyi arrived home, she was taken aback to find Shi Yan waiting in the community. The tension was palpable as Shi Yan, having overheard Zheng Shuyi’s phone conversation with her mother, demanded to know who she had been with. As Shi Yan’s commanding presence loomed before her, Zheng Shuyi found herself momentarily lost in a provocative daydream. Shaking off the distraction, she quickly fabricated a story about watching a movie with her mother and, flustered by Shi Yan’s intensity, hurried inside her home.

Zheng Shuyi’s interview with Guan Xiangcheng created a media sensation, igniting widespread public interest. The buzz was so intense that even Shi Yan's brother-in-law was eager for a spot. Yan Yan promptly instructed Chen Sheng to reach out to Zheng Shuyi and schedule an interview. Overwhelmed and pressed for time, Zheng Shuyi had to delegate the task to a colleague. Nannan stepped in to handle the assignment. As Zheng Shuyi’s interviews soared in popularity, a flood of requests poured into Tang Yi’s office. With demand skyrocketing, Tang Yi turned to Zheng Shuyi to manage the influx and arrange the numerous interviews flooding in.

Qin Shiyue showed up at Yu You's class once more, hoping to invite him to dinner after. Her hopes were dashed when Yu You turned down the offer due to a prior commitment, leaving her feeling dejected. Returning to the office, Qin Shiyue faced a new setback: Xu Yuling accused her of being unprofessional and assigned her tasks designed to embarrass. Burdened by the extra workload, Qin Shiyue was forced into late-night overtime. Overwhelmed and disheartened, she turned to Shi Yan, expressing her frustration and hinting at a possible resignation due to the unbearable strain.

Qin Shiyue noticed a post in her social feed showing Yu You playing ball at the stadium. Curious and eager to gauge her competition, she decided to check it out in person. After work, she headed straight to the stadium, determined to uncover any potential rivals. Boldly, she approached Yu You and invited him to dinner, claiming she wanted to discuss his relationship issues. Yu You, however, dismissed her invitation with a hint of indifference, stating that at thirty, he had other priorities and wasn't interested in mingling.

As Zheng Shuyi walked into the office, she noticed Qin Shiyue’s growing anxiety over the overwhelming workload assigned by Xu Yuling. Sensing an opportunity to help, Zheng Shuyi stepped in with a sharp, insightful approach. "Manuscripts aren't just about parroting others' views—they're your chance to express your own voice and engage with your readers," she advised. With a blend of mentorship and support, Zheng Shuyi encouraged Qin Shiyue to critically assess information and not just follow orders blindly. She then dove into Qin Shiyue’s draft, meticulously checking for errors and filling in the gaps, turning it into a polished piece ready for impact.

With Zheng Shuyi's expert guidance, Qin Shiyue managed to finish the manuscript just in time before the end of the workday. Zheng Shuyi's praise for Qin Shiyue’s quick grasp of the material sparked a genuine smile of satisfaction from her. Meanwhile, Shi Yan, having heard from Qin Shiyue about Zheng Shuyi’s late-night efforts, decided to surprise her. As the office lights dimmed and the day wound down, Shi Yan showed up at the magazine, ready to whisk Zheng Shuyi away from her work, making the evening even more memorable.

As Zheng Shuyi stepped out of the magazine office, she was surprised to bump into a familiar face from a local dessert shop. The boy, having noticed her late night at work, handed her a sweet treat with a warm smile. The gesture was sweet, but it sparked an unexpected reaction from Shi Yan. Seeing Zheng Shuyi surrounded by admirers stirred a flicker of jealousy within him. Without a second thought, he pulled her into his embrace, his possessiveness palpable. With a decisive move, he took the dessert from her hands and paid the shop’s bill, making it clear that he was her exclusive supporter. Meanwhile, Xu Yuling, witnessing this intimate display, couldn’t help but speculate about the true nature of Shi Yan and Zheng Shuyi’s relationship.

Shi Yan noticed Zheng Shuyi’s hunger and, ever the attentive gentleman, offered to take her out for a late-night bite. She led him to her favorite seafood noodle spot, a cozy place renowned for its delicious dishes. As they savored their meal, Zheng Shuyi was in the midst of enjoying her seafood noodles when her past took an unexpected turn. Her ex-boyfriend, Yue Xingzhou, and his friends strolled into the restaurant, making it clear they were there for the same late-night indulgence.

Caught off guard, Zheng Shuyi quickly crafted an excuse to slip away from the table. Meanwhile, Shi Yan, ever observant, overheard Yue Xingzhou and his group talking about their past with Zheng Shuyi. The revelation hit him hard—Yue Xingzhou was the ex she’d never mentioned. The revelation deepened the intrigue as Shi Yan’s curiosity and concern for Zheng Shuyi intensified.

Zheng Shuyi's appetite vanished the moment she spotted her deceitful ex-boyfriend, Yue Xingzhou, at the noodle shop. Struggling to mask her discomfort, she decided to leave, her hunger overshadowed by the unwelcome encounter.

After ensuring Zheng Shuyi safely arrived home, Shi Yan returned to the noodle shop. He ordered a portion of her favorite seafood noodles, his thoughtful gesture radiating warmth and care. When he delivered the meal to her door, Zheng Shuyi was touched by his attentiveness, her heart fluttering at his consideration.

As she expressed her gratitude, Shi Yan's words resonated deeply: “There’s no need to let anyone unworthy make you go hungry in the future.” His words, simple yet profound, echoed his unwavering support and made Zheng Shuyi's feelings for him grow even stronger.

Xu Yuling, suspicious of the growing connection between Zheng Shuyi and Shi Yan, began to overcompensate. She started bringing coffee to Zheng Shuyi and adopting an excessively humble demeanor at work, creating an uncomfortable tension among the staff.

As the magazine's end-of-year plans loomed, Tang Yi inquired about Zheng Shuyi's intern arrangements. Zheng Shuyi, impressed with Qin Shiyue’s improved writing skills, intended to bring her on board for a high-profile special report on Yunchuang.

However, Qin Shiyue, feeling unready to handle such a significant assignment, hesitated. She reluctantly offered to assist Zheng Shuyi with other tasks, worried that she might not be up to the challenge of such a prominent project just yet.

Yu You discovered that someone had been taking notes for Qin Shiyue during class and felt the need to address it. After class, he contacted Qin Shiyue, requesting that no one else be assigned to take her notes. He emphasized that the class covered only basic material and that if Qin Shiyue was too busy, she could study the material on her own at home.

Meanwhile, Qin Shiyue faced a dilemma with her manuscript. Tang Yi had instructed her to refine and revise it, but Qin Shiyue, confident in the manuscript’s sharp perspective and authenticity, refused to make changes. When Zheng Shuyi caught wind of this, she praised Qin Shiyue’s strong sense of self and promptly shared her admiration with Shi Yan.

Zheng Shuyi couldn’t resist teasing Shi Yan about how frequently Qin Shiyue had been attending Professor Yu You’s classes at the University of Finance and Economics. To stoke Shi Yan’s jealousy, she lavishly praised Yu You, even going so far as to say he looked younger and more vibrant than Shi Yan. The mention of another man’s virtues struck a nerve. Shi Yan, stung by the comparison, reacted with an assertive display of his own. He whisked Zheng Shuyi away to his medal room, determined to impress her with his own accolades and achievements, showcasing just how remarkable he was in his own right.

Shi Yan revealed the bold decision behind his departure from Mingyu to establish Yunchuang Company. His story of breaking free from convention to pursue his dreams deeply impressed Zheng Shuyi. Moved by his bravery and success, Zheng Shuyi’s admiration turned into action; she leaned in and kissed Shi Yan, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Shi Yan, struck by her gesture, was eager to extend their connection. He invited Zheng Shuyi to join him on an upcoming business trip. Overwhelmed by the sudden intimacy and feeling shy, Zheng Shuyi hurriedly left Shi Yan's home.

Two days later, as fate would have it, Zheng Shuyi and Shi Yan crossed paths again at the Ancheng airport. Seizing the opportunity, Shi Yan confidently invited Zheng Shuyi to accompany him on his business trip. Once they arrived in Ancheng, he ensured they stayed in the same hotel, determined to keep her close.

When Zheng Shuyi heard she would be staying in the same hotel as Shi Yan, her shock was palpable. With no other option, she followed him to the elevator with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. Inside the elevator, Zheng Shuyi stood rigidly, trying to steady her racing thoughts. The uncertainty of their relationship left her in a daze, but before she could ponder further, the elevator doors slid open, abruptly ending her contemplation.

After exiting the elevator, Zheng Shuyi bolted down the hallway, desperately telling everyone around her that the situation between her and Shi Yan was all wrong. She had been convinced she was about to share a room with him, only to be stunned when she received her luggage and found two separate keys. The realization hit her hard—they were simply assigned rooms next to each other, not together. Flushing with embarrassment, she fumbled with the keys and awkwardly maneuvered her suitcase into her room, her heart racing from the unexpected twist.

As Zheng Shuyi departed, her expression a mix of confusion and disappointment, Shi Yan’s lips curled into a sly, knowing smile. He watched her leave before stepping into his room with a sense of satisfaction.

Once inside, Zheng Shuyi dialed Shanshan, his voice brimming with amusement as he recounted the day's events. Meanwhile, Shanshan, ever the perceptive friend, began dishing out advice based on the juicy details of the encounter, keenly aware of the subtle game unfolding between Shi Yan and Zheng Shuyi.

As evening fell, Zheng Shuyi remained engrossed in work, her determination unwavering. She deliberately postponed her interview, fully immersed in her mission to unravel the complexities surrounding Zhanlan. With a sense of urgency, she dialed Shi Yan, eager to enlist his help in digging deeper into Zhanlan's predicament. Their collaboration promised to uncover hidden truths and navigate the stormy waters of their investigation together.

Professor Yu You was thrown into turmoil by Qin Shiyue's relentless pursuit, prompting him to seek advice from his trusted friend, Guan Ji. As Yu You poured out his concerns, Guan Ji's attention was drawn to a girl he deeply cared about. With a mix of earnestness and distraction, Guan Ji discussed Yu You's predicament while also addressing the growing tension with pursuing Qin Shiyue.

After resolving the matter, Guan Ji immediately shifted his focus to the girl he cherished, intercepting her and even intercepting her drink when an unwelcome guest appeared. Shanshan, clearly disheartened by the scene, began to leave. Determined to make amends, Guan Ji rushed after her, ensuring she got home safely. He went above and beyond, preparing a heartfelt breakfast and thoughtful clothing before he left, hoping to mend the rift and express his feelings.

The next day, Zheng Shuyi and Shi Yan set out to explore the stunning blue scenic spots together. Zheng Shuyi had meticulously planned the day, ensuring everything went smoothly. Along the way, they encountered a photographer and took a series of intimate shots, capturing moments of closeness and connection. After the photoshoot, they eagerly approached the photographer for autographs, their shared enthusiasm palpable.

During their meal, Shi Yan was suddenly struck by a wave of nostalgia, recalling his ex-girlfriend's behavior. He questioned Zheng Shuyi about whether such actions were unreasonable. Zheng Shuyi's response was swift and decisive, shaking his head firmly at the suggestion. His heartfelt approval was clear, standing in stark contrast to Shi Yan's past experiences, and reinforcing the unique bond between them.

As Shi Yan prepared to speak, a sudden, urgent call cut him off, creating an unexpected disruption. Zheng Shuyi, who had been eagerly anticipating this moment, saw the opportunity to rush back to the room. Her swift action spared them both from an awkward situation, restoring a semblance of normalcy and saving the day from an awkward encounter.

The next morning, as they exchanged their goodnights and drifted off to sleep, they reappeared looking impeccable and ready to face the day together. Zheng Shuyi’s mood shifted when she encountered an unexpected, formidable guest. Sensing the gravity of the situation, she relaxed her initial apprehension and began detailing her troubles with a ride-hailing service. To her surprise, the guest took immediate action to address the issue.

As Shi Yan prepared to leave, he was taken aback by the escalating commotion from behind him. Zheng Shuyi, standing beside him, struggled to remain composed amid the intense confrontation.

Once Zheng Shuyi was in the car, a wave of regret washed over her as she worried about the potential fallout from her impulsive comments. Fear gripped her that the chance for collaboration between the two companies might slip away. Just as she braced herself for a ride home, an unexpected phone call diverted their path. To her astonishment, they were headed to a restaurant instead.

As they left the restaurant, Zheng Shuyi’s surprise only deepened when she discovered that the person she had been dealing with was about to leave. The twists and turns of the day left her reeling, uncertain of what might come next.

DramaZen's Opinion

The niece is by far the most captivating character—she's leaping forward in her growth while everyone else is still stuck at square one. She's already reached her 15th base and keeps advancing, while the others are barely moving past their second.

It’s high time the ML gets a dose of jealousy and realizes just how incredible the FL is—talented, beautiful, and absolutely a catch! If he keeps hesitating, someone else will swoop in and snatch her up in no time. He’s being foolish not to act before it's too late. However, I still understand why he would be slow to make a move, due to all her semi-genuine flirting techniques. LOL!!!

I just can’t wrap my head around these drama parents! How can they force their child into a date with someone and just declare, "This is the one for you," completely ignoring their feelings? It’s like they think they have a crystal ball for love or something!

Finally, we get a sizzling kiss that actually delivers on the chemistry! The scene where she awkwardly dashes away is both endearing and hilarious, and Shi Yan’s subtle smile clearly shows he’s enjoying every moment of it.

And was her friend's comment about not coming back with three people a cheeky hint about avoiding an unexpected pregnancy during the business trip?

One aspect of the show that absolutely stands out is Shi Yan’s wardrobe. It’s hands down one of the most stylish and sophisticated in modern Chinese drama. After a slew of poorly fitted and outdated menswear in other shows, his wardrobe is a breath of fresh air.

On a side note: Shan Shan's constant mood swings with Guan Ji are wearing thin. Objectively, Guan Ji is written as an almost impossibly perfect character, yet the show tries to shoehorn in a flaw by portraying his excessive time at the bar. Ironically, Shan Shan has her own issues with the bar, making her complaints feel even more unrealistic. It’s frustrating and highlights that neither character is as well-developed as they should be.