Only For Love- Episode 25-27 Recap

We left off with Shuyi feeling overwhelmed on making the decision whether she should come clean with Shi Yan. Personally, I think she should muster up her courage and just put it out there to clear the air between the two of them. All this tip-toeing around is driving me mad! However, I find myself coming back to see what else the writers can poorly throw at me. I'm this far into the drama and my OCD won't let meback out now...lol! So.....

As Shi Yan picked up Zheng Shuyi from work, his thoughtful gesture of bringing her warm milk tea made her heart swell with affection. His kindness deepened her feelings, making her realize just how inseparable they were becoming. With the annual holiday approaching, Zheng Shuyi turned down Kong Nan’s dinner invitation to focus on buying New Year's gifts for her parents.

While shopping alone in the bustling mall, Zheng Shuyi unexpectedly ran into Qin Lezhi. Qin Lezhi sneered, taunting her about climbing to a high branch, only to reveal his own situation—married with children. Zheng Shuyi, undeterred, proudly declared that her boyfriend was wealthy and influential, and that Qin Lezhi should be respectful in his presence. The remark left Qin Lezhi stunned and speechless.

Qin Shiyue arrived at Caida in search of Yu You, only to find him in the midst of feeding a cat. Enthusiastic about the furry friend, Qin Shiyue couldn't resist playing with it but ended up getting scratched. With urgency, Yu You whisked Qin Shiyue off to the hospital for a rabies vaccination.

Meanwhile, Zheng Shuyi was up at dawn, busily packing for her journey back to Qing'an for the New Year. Shi Yan arrived early at the high-speed rail station, ready to see her off. Despite her reluctance to part ways, Zheng Shuyi understood Shi Yan's demanding schedule over the holiday and accepted that he wouldn’t be able to accompany her to Qing'an.

Zheng Shuyi's parents were overjoyed by the New Year's gift from their daughter, their pride swelling as they admired both her thoughtfulness and her success. Meanwhile, Guan Ji struggled to reach Bi Ruoshan, only to discover from her colleagues that she had returned home for the holidays. Driven by a surge of concern, he rushed to her hometown, only to be shocked by a sight that left him reeling—Bi Ruoshan was deep in conversation with a man about wedding plans. The unexpected scene sent Guan Ji into a panic, his mind racing with questions and fears.

Upon returning home, Zheng Shuyi reached out to Bi Ruoshan and discovered that she was assisting her cousin with wedding plans. Elated by the news, Zheng Shuyi eagerly offered her support, vowing to help Bi Ruoshan find the perfect partner after the New Year and apply her own insights to weed out any potential duds.

Meanwhile, Qin Shiyue received a timely reminder from Yu You about getting her rabies vaccine. Overjoyed by Yu You’s thoughtfulness, she playfully feigned fear of injections and invited him to accompany her to the clinic. Yu You’s continued care and concern added an extra layer of warmth to her already fluttering heart.

Guan Ji stood outside Bi Ruoshan’s home, nerves on edge, as he waited for her to return. When she finally arrived, he poured out his feelings, confessing his deep affection for her. However, Bi Ruoshan was unmoved. She saw Guan Ji’s declarations as mere possessiveness, a dangerous desire to conquer rather than genuine love. She made it clear that their tumultuous dynamic could never lead to a positive outcome. With a heavy heart, Bi Ruoshan begged Guan Ji to release her from their entanglement, urging him to let her go so they could both move on and find peace.

On New Year's Eve, Shi Yan made a special call to Zheng Shuyi, their voices tinged with longing as they talked about how much they missed each other. Both were eagerly anticipating their reunion after the New Year. Meanwhile, Zheng Shuyi's parents had hoped to bring her and Yu You together for a festive dinner after the holiday, but Zheng Shuyi firmly turned down their well-meaning plans, insisting she had her own arrangements for her relationship. As the New Year arrived, Shi Yan and Guan Ji's families came together in a joyous celebration, reveling in the warmth and happiness of their shared festivities.

After the New Year's Eve dinner, Shi Yan eagerly video-chatted with Zheng Shuyi, learning that she would be attending her senior’s wedding shortly after the New Year. Excited by the prospect, Shi Yan planned a visit to Qing'an to see her. Meanwhile, Qin Shiyue, watching from the sidelines, felt a pang of dissatisfaction upon seeing Shi Yan’s contented demeanor post-call. Her suspicions that he was speaking to his girlfriend were confirmed when Shi Yan openly admitted to his family that he was in a relationship. However, he remained tight-lipped about his girlfriend’s identity, respecting her privacy and keeping it a secret from his family.

Determined to outshine Qin Lezhi at the wedding, Zheng Shuyi meticulously selected several stunning outfits and enlisted Shi Yan’s help in choosing the perfect one. When Shi Yan discovered that Zheng Shuyi was preparing to meet someone significant, his eagerness to be by her side surged. Without hesitation, he made the bold decision to travel to Qing'an, driven by the urgency to support and be with her during this pivotal moment.

Zheng Shuyi arrived solo for the meeting with her senior, anticipating a placement among relatives due to her past with Yue Xingzhou. However, her classmates intervened, pulling her to their table instead. The atmosphere shifted as one of the classmates boldly inquired about Yue Xingzhou. In a dramatic turn, Zheng Shuyi seized the moment to make a candid confession, revealing that she and Yue Xingzhou had parted ways, sending ripples of surprise through the room.

Yue Xingzhou made a striking entrance with Qin Lezhi and Shanshan in tow, drawing Zheng Shuyi's irritated gaze. The wedding festivities unfolded, and in a surprising twist, Zheng Shuyi found herself the recipient of a stunning bouquet from the bride. When the emcee inquired, Zheng Shuyi gracefully announced that she had a boyfriend, receiving the crowd’s heartfelt blessings with poise.

Meanwhile, Qin Shiyue, having arrived in Qing'an with Shi Yan, planned to explore the city with Yu You as her guide. During the wedding banquet, Qin Lezhi brazenly flaunted her boyfriend, Yue Xingzhou, in front of Zheng Shuyi. The situation grew even more tense when some classmates, unable to tolerate the display, provocatively inquired about Zheng Shuyi's own romantic situation.

Worried about her boyfriend's reputation, Zheng Shuyi was taken aback when Qin Lezhi, in front of the entire gathering, boasted about Zheng Shuyi's boyfriend. She described him as exceptional—educated at top international institutions with both bachelor's and master's degrees, and a high-ranking executive in an investment firm. However, Qin Lezhi added that he was older and already had a family. Furious at the intrusion, Zheng Shuyi sharply rebuked Qin Lezhi for meddling in her personal affairs, escalating the tension between them.

As Zheng Shuyi took a call from Shi Yan, her expression shifted from irritation to relief. Quickly bidding her classmates farewell, she hurried outside, where Shi Yan, sensing her distress, was determined to whisk her away from the scene. Meanwhile, Qin Lezhi, fuming over Yue Xingzhou’s lack of defense at the banquet, was about to storm off when she collided with Zheng Shuyi at the hotel entrance. In a bid to provoke Qin Lezhi, Zheng Shuyi lowered her window and greeted her, only for Qin Lezhi to dismissively call the driver “Master Fan” as “little uncle.” In that moment, Zheng Shuyi realized with shock that she had misunderstood Shi Yan’s relationship with Qin Lezhi, believing him to be her uncle.

When the senior discovered that Zheng Shuyi had already left, he rushed to apologize, his remorse evident. Meanwhile, Shi Yan, having heard from Zheng Shuyi’s classmates about Qin Lezhi’s malicious comments about Zheng Shuyi meddling in other people's relationships, was incensed. He had no interest in hearing Qin Lezhi’s excuses—he only demanded a sincere apology. Under the mounting pressure, Qin Lezhi, begrudgingly and in a subdued tone, offered a reluctant apology to Zheng Shuyi, her pride clearly wounded.

As Shi Yan and Zheng Shuyi left together, Yue Xingzhou finally confronted Qin Lezhi about the mysterious "uncle." Up until now, Yue Xingzhou had been under the false impression that Shi Yan was Qin Lezhi’s uncle, which had led him to consider sacrificing Zheng Shuyi for his own future. However, when pressed, Qin Lezhi stubbornly denied any deception, instead accusing Yue Xingzhou of fabricating stories out of thin air. The tension crackled as the two clashed, each refusing to back down.

Shi Yan was eager to hear Zheng Shuyi’s side of the story after the chaotic events of the day, but Zheng Shuyi, still smarting from being misjudged, brushed off his inquiries with vague answers. Her mood quickly shifted when she received an invitation from Qin Shiyue for a hot spring getaway. Eager for a break, Zheng Shuyi accepted without hesitation and called Bi Ruoshan for advice. Torn between her growing feelings for Shi Yan and the fear of losing him if her deceit was exposed, she contemplated a heartfelt confession. Bi Ruoshan, however, suggested a different approach: continue her romance with Shi Yan while keeping the truth hidden, and let their relationship evolve naturally.

When Qin Shiyue finally met up with Zheng Shuyi, she discovered that Zheng Shuyi was ready to let go of her pursuit of Xiaosan's uncle. Seizing the opportunity, Qin Shiyue eagerly introduced her uncle, Shi Yan, to Zheng Shuyi. Despite Zheng Shuyi's initial refusal, Qin Shiyue orchestrated an encounter, bringing them together under the guise of a casual introduction. With Shi Yan now in the mix, Zheng Shuyi, still grappling with her emotional turmoil, confided in him, subtly hoping he might use the situation to his advantage.

As Zheng Shuyi and Qin Shiyue emerged from the hot spring hotel, they stumbled upon Shi Yan, who was rushing in their direction. To Zheng Shuyi's shock, she discovered that Qin Shiyue was actually Shi Yan's niece. The revelation sent her into a spiral of anxiety when Shi Yan inquired about the state of her relationship. Shi Yan, sensing her discomfort, sent Qin Shiyue away and pressed Zheng Shuyi for answers. Under the mounting pressure, Zheng Shuyi scrambled to concoct a story, claiming she had mistaken Shi Yan’s interest in Qin Shiyue and admitting her jealousy upon seeing them together. Now that she knew the true connection between them, Zheng Shuyi assured Shi Yan that everything was resolved.

Shi Yan confronted Zheng Shuyi with a commanding intensity, demanding to know if her affections were truly for him or if she still harbored feelings for her ex. Though Zheng Shuyi assured him of her feelings, Shi Yan’s desire for exclusivity lingered. Determined to uncover the truth, Shi Yan sensed that Zheng Shuyi was concealing something. Regardless of her reasons for approaching him, Shi Yan was resolute: he needed her to reveal the whole truth.

Master Fan arrived with a heavy heart, determined to make amends with Shi Yan. He expressed his deep regret for the havoc caused by his niece, Qin Lezhi, which had torn apart Zheng Shuyi's relationship with Yue Xingzhou. Master Fan revealed that Qin Lezhi, acknowledging her mistake, had ended things with Yue Xingzhou. As Shi Yan probed further, he discovered that Yue Xingzhou had abandoned Zheng Shuyi out of vanity, mistaking Shi Yan for Qin Lezhi's uncle. Reflecting on Zheng Shuyi’s actions, Shi Yan suspected that her approach had been a calculated move for revenge. To confirm his theory, Shi Yan confronted Qin Lezhi and, with a few probing questions, verified that Zheng Shuyi had indeed deceived him.

After countless restless hours, Zheng Shuyi resolved to come clean to Shi Yan. She set up a pivotal meeting with him at the aquarium for ten o'clock the next morning, determined to reveal her truth. Meanwhile, in the dead of night, Qin Shiyue was gripped by a sudden, severe stomachache. Without hesitation, Shi Yan rushed to her side, whisking her off to the hospital for urgent care.

Shi Yan urged Qin Shiyue to take a break and recover before heading back to Jiangcheng, but she was far from eager to return to work. Shi Yan insisted she rest at home due to her illness. Meanwhile, Yu You, alarmed by a distressing photo of Qin Shiyue’s condition, hurried to the hospital to check on her. Just as Yu You arrived, he crossed paths with Qin Shiyue, who was unexpectedly leaving the hospital.

Zheng Shuyi arrived at the aquarium early, her heart racing with anticipation as she waited for Shi Yan. But as the agreed time passed, his absence grew more agonizing. On his way back to Jiangcheng, Shi Yan made a sudden detour, positioning himself at a discreet spot near the aquarium. He watched from the shadows as Zheng Shuyi waited, oblivious to his presence. When Zheng Shuyi called, her voice hopeful, Shi Yan’s response was icy and detached, commanding her to "act with her" and revealing that he had already uncovered her deception.

Zheng Shuyi returned home, her shoulders heavy with despair. Her parents, sensing her turmoil but unaware of the specifics, watched with concern. Her mother, ever practical, advised her with unwavering resolve: if work troubles arose, Zheng’s father was always there to help. If the job became unbearable, a resignation and a return to their hometown were options, where her parents would support her. For emotional strife, her mother urged her to toughen up and move forward—assuring her that youth would bring new possibilities and perhaps a more fitting partner. Though Zheng Shuyi confessed to her mistakes, her mother clung to the belief that time would heal and hope remained.

Yi Yang, determined to make an impression, tracked down Zheng Shuyi’s home address from a post she’d shared online and arrived with an armful of thoughtful gifts. Zheng Shuyi’s mother, mistaking him for the source of her daughter’s recent unhappiness, took the opportunity to give Yi Yang a piece of her mind on how to brighten Zheng Shuyi’s mood. In a bid to clear the air and make space for Yi Yang’s visit, Zheng Shuyi’s mother even stepped out, giving the young man a chance to make his move. Yi Yang, undeterred by his own feelings, went all out by preparing a delicious spread for Zheng Shuyi. Despite his clear intentions, he was upfront about the lack of future prospects between them, making it evident that his interest, though genuine, had no chance of turning into something more.

After dinner, Yi Yang eagerly asked Zheng Shuyi to take him to her old high school, hoping to glimpse her past. Unfortunately, the school gates were locked tight, leaving them outside with no chance to sneak in. Undeterred, Yi Yang used the opportunity to probe into Zheng Shuyi’s past, discovering that her heart was already occupied. Despite this revelation, Yi Yang was unwavering in his resolve, declaring that he would not be deterred in his pursuit of her.

Guan Ji, alarmed by Bi Ruoshan’s illness revealed on social media, rushed to her hometown during the Chinese New Year. He found Bi Ruoshan busily helping her cousin select a wedding dress, but his arrival abruptly interrupted her plans. Misunderstanding the situation, Guan Ji expressed his deep feelings for Bi Ruoshan, revealing his desire for her to be with him instead of the man she was preparing to marry.

Haunted by the painful memory of his parents' divorce, Guan Ji had long believed that marriage was not the ultimate solution and that all relationships would eventually fade. Despite maintaining a cautious distance, he had hoped for a deeper connection. Now, confronted with the reality of losing Bi Ruoshan, he was ready to offer everything he held dear for a chance at a genuine relationship. Though Bi Ruoshan didn't immediately agree to marry him, Guan Ji’s heartfelt confession opened the door to the possibility of a new beginning between them, one where they could explore love on their own terms.

Meanwhile, Zheng Shuyi, reeling from a painful breakup, turned to Bi Ruoshan for comfort. Feeling utterly defeated, she sought solace in her best friend’s company. Bi Ruoshan, ever the insightful analyst, quickly pinpointed that Shi Yan’s anger and withdrawal were more about his concerns over Zheng Shuyi's behavior than about Shuyi herself. She reassured Zheng Shuyi that time would heal the wounds and the storm would pass once the current chaos settled.

After spending the night at Bi Ruoshan’s house, Zheng Shuyi stumbled upon a shocking revelation: her best friend was deeply in love. Realizing she had inadvertently become a disruption in Bi Ruoshan’s life, Zheng Shuyi felt a pang of guilt and knew she needed to find a reason to leave and give her friend the space she deserved. Determined to protect Bi Ruoshan’s newfound happiness, Zheng Shuyi resolved to step back and let her best friend navigate her own path to love.

In response to the buzz from her readers, Zheng Shuyi arranged another interview with Yi Yang, and the encounter promised to be electric. Yi Yang, seizing the moment, proposed a captivating new angle: a feature on returnees launching their own businesses in China. He even offered to connect Zheng Shuyi with a handful of intriguing interviewees. Excited by the prospect and thrilled that Yi Yang's idea aligned perfectly with her own vision, Zheng Shuyi eagerly embraced the opportunity. This collaboration was set to spark a compelling series, brimming with fresh insights and dynamic stories.

DramaZen's Opinion

I can hardly believe I'm saying this, but I'm genuinely starting to feel sympathy for the male lead's best friend—something I never expected given his player persona at the start of the drama. It's astounding how this character, once seen as a carefree flirt, has revealed a depth of sincerity that’s hard to ignore. He genuinely cares for Shan Shan and is committed to being with her, not just pursuing her for the thrill. His approach has been respectful and considerate, never crossing the line or becoming possessive.

What’s truly intriguing is Shan Shan’s own struggle. She clearly harbors feelings for him beyond a casual fling but is reluctant to acknowledge them. She fears that admitting she wants more might undermine her image as an independent woman. The emotional complexity of their interactions makes me root for him, despite his initial reputation.

My gripe at the moment after watching the first episode: Why do they keep filming partially blurry scenes? Either Shuyi is blurred while the camera focuses on Shi Yan or vice-versa. It just feels very unnecessary! Also, a bulk of this show is basically all of them texting each other it seems. Apparently, they don't know how to have face-to-face interactions.

I can't shake the feeling that a breakup is imminent, and frankly, I can’t fault Shi Yan for it. My heart aches for him—his pain when he uncovered the truth was almost unbearable. Zheng Shuyi had countless opportunities to come clean, and her failure to do so makes me want to shout at her for being so blind to the damage she’s caused. I hope she finally sees the gravity of her mistakes and understands how profoundly she’s hurt Shi Yan.

The FL: She can't be serious!!!!!

• Boyfriend's Grand Gesture: He braves a thousand-mile journey to be with her on New Year's Eve, despite his hectic schedule. Just when things seem perfect, she drops a bombshell: "I have a crucial commitment elsewhere. Goodbye." Then she acts stunned and questions, “You’re leaving? Why?”

• Intrusive Stalker: A relentless stranger, with no regard for boundaries, shows up uninvited on New Year's Eve. He casually suggests, “Let’s spend the whole day together! She decides: Let me cook for you in my family home, and I’ll even show you my old school. 

Amidst the chaos, the friend is finally done with her games. But will misunderstandings with the niece lead her to believe he’s cheating? If she breaks up with him without a word, he’s left to wonder if her feelings have changed or if she simply never loved him at all. Ahhh....what a mess!!!