Only For Love-Episode 7-9 Recap
The last episode left our leads on a rather lackluster note, but I’m still holding out hope for this drama. While it hasn't exactly thrilled me yet, I'm committed to seeing where it goes. With some time to spare, I’ll keep rolling with it, curious to see if it finally picks up the pace and delivers the excitement I’m waiting for. So let's jump back into episode 7 and see what happens next!
Shi Yan approved the interview manuscript just before midnight. Overjoyed, Zheng Shuyi quickly sent him a message of thanks, but received no reply. Recalling Bi Ruoshan's words about men being fickle, she bombarded Shi Yan with a series of heartfelt, sweet messages. Though Shi Yan remained silent, he secretly reveled in every word.
Bi Ruoshan accompanied Zheng Shuyi to meet her old classmate, Situ Yi. When they met, Situ Yi discovered that Zheng Shuyi was still working in a financial agency and urged her to switch to new media, arguing that print was outdated. Zheng Shuyi countered that she had already shifted her focus to electronic journals, believing that good content mattered more than the medium. Upon learning that Zheng Shuyi had broken up with Yue Xingzhou, Situ Yi revealed that Yue Xingzhou had been involved with two different people during college, prompting Bi Ruoshan to exclaim that Yue Xingzhou was truly a scumbag.
Yu You brought Bruce to meet with Shi Yan and Chen Kang. Although Bruce offered valuable advice on technical issues, he initially refused to join Le'an, feeling the company's technology wasn't up to his standards. However, Shi Yan argued that the real challenge lay in Bruce's ability to help Le'an overcome its current limitations, presenting unique experiences that couldn't be found abroad or in a lab. Intrigued by the prospect of such a challenge, Bruce agreed to reconsider, swayed by Shi Yan's compelling persuasion.
Zheng Shuyi insisted that Shi Yan pick him up, and to his surprise, Shi Yan's car actually arrived. It turned out Shi Yan happened to be passing by and saw Zheng Shuyi and his best friend Bi Ruoshan waiting for a ride, so he offered to take them home. Bi Ruoshan got out midway, and Zheng Shuyi seized the chance to follow suit. After disembarking, Bi Ruoshan remarked that the exchange between Zheng Shuyi and Shi Yan was a textbook example of awkward flirtation, noting that Shi Yan's tone was clearly jealous. Bi Ruoshan advised Zheng Shuyi not to respond to Shi Yan immediately, to keep him guessing and maintain the upper hand.
Guan Ji took Qin Shiyue to the bar for a night out. Bi Ruoshan, arriving at the bar, saw Guan Ji being overly friendly with a girl and jumped to the wrong conclusion about their relationship. When Guan Ji stepped out to take a call, Qin Shiyue found herself being harassed. Unable to stand by, Bi Ruoshan stepped in to defend her. Upon returning, Guan Ji spotted Bi Ruoshan and wanted to greet her, but she left early, claiming she wasn't feeling well.
Zheng Shuyi met with Yu You, curious about his decision to return to China for his career. Yu You revealed it was because he had like-minded friends in China. Seizing the moment, Zheng Shuyi proposed an exclusive interview to delve into Yu You's reasons for returning and his future plans. Yu You agreed and extended an invitation for Zheng Shuyi to attend Guan's press conference next week. Thrilled by this golden opportunity, Zheng Shuyi expressed her heartfelt gratitude.
Xu Yuling discovered that Zheng Shuyi had also been invited to Guan's press conference and jealousy consumed her. In a devious move, she hid Zheng Shuyi's invitation among discarded documents, ensuring it got shredded. To cover her tracks, Xu Yuling pinned the blame on Qin Shiyue. Zheng Shuyi, unfazed, didn't hold Qin Shiyue responsible, even after being sabotaged again. With unwavering confidence, she declared she could still attend Guan's press conference without the invitation.
That evening, Qin Shiyue made a point to ask Guan Ji for an invitation letter to the Guan Group's press conference on behalf of Zheng Shuyi. She even went the extra mile by contacting the Guan Group's public relations department to secure a replacement invitation. Zheng Shuyi, suspecting that Qin Shiyue had connections within the Guan Group, was deeply grateful for her assistance.
At Guan's highly anticipated press conference, Zheng Shuyi and Bi Ruoshan were front and center, captivated by the brilliance of Shi Yan, Guan Ji, and Yu You. Amid the excitement, Zheng Shuyi couldn’t help but voice her frustration to Bi Ruoshan about Shi Yan’s unreasonable behavior—only for Shi Yan to overhear her candid remarks. After the event, Zheng Shuyi took the opportunity to introduce her close friend Bi Ruoshan to Yu You, seizing the moment to make valuable connections. Meanwhile, Bi Ruoshan, ever the resourceful reporter, snagged an exclusive interview with Guan Ji, furthering her journalistic ambitions. The stakes are high, and every interaction is charged with potential.
Zheng Shuyi, realizing that playing hard to get with Shi Yan was futile, decided to take the bold step of sending flirty messages once more. Yet, Shi Yan's continued silence left her questioning if he had overheard her earlier complaints. Frustrated, Zheng Shuyi couldn't help but mutter that Shi Yan seemed completely clueless.
Meanwhile, after dinner, Guan Ji took the initiative to drop Bi Ruoshan home. As she observed him, Bi Ruoshan noticed a different side of Guan Ji—one that seemed more earnest and attentive than usual. Guan Ji, acknowledging Bi Ruoshan's stellar performance, complimented her as the most captivating reporter in Jiangcheng, hinting that her interview had been particularly striking. Their shared admiration and unspoken connection led them to arrange a night out at the bar. As they reminisced about their first encounter, both felt a spark of interest yet remained too proud to make the first move. The evening promised more than just drinks; it was a chance to explore the unresolved tension between them.
Zheng Shuyi eagerly awaited the confirmation of Yunchuang's annual press conference, fully aware that it was the golden opportunity to land a coveted spot on the magazine's year-end front page. Determined to secure her place, she reached out to Shi Yan, hoping he would remember to send her an invitation. However, her anticipation turned to frustration when the invitation letter was sent to Xu Yuling instead. This unexpected twist left Zheng Shuyi grappling with the sting of disappointment, as her chance to cover the highly anticipated event slipped through her fingers.
Zheng Shuyi hoped to turn to Tang Yi for assistance in securing an invitation to Yunchuang's prestigious press conference. To her dismay, Tang Yi dismissed her request, citing it as a decision solely for the editor-in-chief and adding that if Zheng Shuyi were to attend, she would need to bring along Qin Shiyue. Frustrated but undeterred, Zheng Shuyi realized that the request was non-negotiable. She knew Qin Shiyue was somewhat naive, but reluctantly agreed to mentor her thoroughly to ensure they both made a strong impression.
Zheng Shuyi sought Yu You's help to secure an invitation to Yunchuang's highly anticipated press conference. When Shi Yan discovered her request, jealousy flared within him. He challenged Yu You to a high-stakes boxing match, insisting that Yu You earn the invitation letter with his fists. The match was intense, but despite his best efforts, Yu You ended up defeated and unable to assist. With the invitation letter finally in her hands, Zheng Shuyi faced a setback when Bi Ruoshan could not provide any further help. Undeterred, she was more determined than ever to attend the press conference. Driven by her resolve, she planned to confront Shi Yan directly and uncover the truth behind his elusive behavior.
Shi Yan had been under the impression that Zheng Shuyi had already received her invitation letter, but on the day of the press conference, he was stunned to see Xu Yuling at the venue. The company had mistakenly sent Zheng Shuyi's invitation to Xu Yuling instead. With only one invitation per person, Zheng Shuyi was faced with a dilemma. She had initially planned for Bi Ruoshan to escort both herself and Qin Shiyue into the event, but now, she needed to improvise. Quick on her feet, Zheng Shuyi asked Bi Ruoshan to ensure Qin Shiyue gained entry while she took matters into her own hands. Determined to not miss the chance, she boldly followed Shi Yan straight into the conference, her resolve as unyielding as ever.
Zheng Shuyi confronted Shi Yan, demanding to know why Xu Yuling had received the invitation to the press conference instead of her. Shi Yan, looking slightly bemused, explained that managing the media list and issuing invitations was beyond his direct control. However, he was quick to rectify the situation. He enlisted Chen Kang’s help to secure a prime spot for Zheng Shuyi at the event, ensuring she wouldn't be overlooked. Chen Kang, acknowledging the PR department’s blunder, also arranged for Bi Ruoshan and Qin Shiyue to be seated alongside Zheng Shuyi, which greatly pleased her. As the press conference began, Zheng Shuyi watched Shi Yan take the stage with undeniable charisma. Moved by his commanding presence, she couldn't resist sending him a message, showering him with praise and admiration.
At the press conference, Qin Shiyue suddenly felt faint and stepped out to get some fresh air. During the intermission, He Boming, a reporter from Jiangcheng Daily, made a beeline to greet Zheng Shuyi, sparking an exchange of WeChat contacts. Shi Yan, who watched the interaction from a distance, was consumed with jealousy. In a bold move, he summoned Zheng Shuyi away from the crowd.
Expecting a romantic confrontation, Zheng Shuyi approached Shi Yan with a smile. But to her surprise, Shi Yan's concern was about Qin Shiyue’s whereabouts. Zheng Shuyi, seizing the moment to tease, informed him that Qin Shiyue had left because she felt overwhelmed by the presence of someone as impressive as Shi Yan, an admission that contrasted sharply with her own excitement to see him.
Meanwhile, Qin Shiyue encountered Yu You in the lobby. Struck by Yu You's elegance, she felt a wave of unexpected emotion, adding an intriguing twist to the evening’s events.
As the Yunchuang press conference roared into its second half, Qin Shiyue discovered Yu You’s role as a strategic advisor to Kwan Capital, which only deepened her admiration for him. Meanwhile, Zheng Shuyi, who had been seething with frustration at Shi Yan’s preoccupation with Qin Shiyue, stormed off as the event wrapped up.
However, her departure was abruptly interrupted when she spotted Qin Shiyue, fluttering her lashes and acting flirtatiously towards Shi Yan. Overcome with jealousy, Zheng Shuyi fled the scene in haste, unable to bear the sight of Shi Yan’s apparent interest in another.
Shi Yan, unable to let Zheng Shuyi leave in distress, chased her down to the parking lot. With a bold gesture, he seized her hand and insisted on driving her home. As Zheng Shuyi drifted off to sleep in his car, Shi Yan’s comforting presence made her rest easy. When she awoke, she found herself parked right outside her house.
Grateful for his kindness, Zheng Shuyi eagerly invited Shi Yan to dinner as a thank you. But as Shi Yan listened to her intentions, he realized her offer was a strategic move to discuss a special interview. With a decisive shake of his head, he turned down her invitation, leaving the air thick with unresolved tension.
Both Zheng Shuyi and Shi Yan, feeling the weight of their frustrations, sought solace in inviting each other's friends out for drinks to lift their spirits. However, Bi Ruoshan and Guan Ji, unbeknownst to each other, both turned down the invitations with surprising firmness. Little did they know, Bi Ruoshan and Guan Ji were together at that very moment, sharing their own quiet retreat.
Meanwhile, Zheng Shuyi's interview manuscript received glowing praise from the editor, sparking envy among her colleagues. They eagerly rallied around her, demanding a celebratory dinner. Zheng Shuyi, buoyed by the unexpected recognition and the camaraderie, happily agreed, embracing the chance to savor her success and the warm support of her peers.
Qin Shiyue realized that her initial assumption about Zheng Shuyi ignoring her on the first day of work was a grave misunderstanding. In her anger, she had vented her frustrations to Shi Yan, only to later feel a surge of guilt for her rash actions. Embarrassment held her back from apologizing directly to Zheng Shuyi, and she turned to her uncle, Shi Yan, for assistance.
Shi Yan's blunt response, however, struck a nerve, forcing Qin Shiyue to confront her own pride. Determined to make amends, she swallowed her discomfort and approached Zheng Shuyi, ready to offer a heartfelt apology and repair the damage she had caused.
Zheng Shuyi found herself increasingly troubled by the growing closeness between Qin Shiyue and Shi Yan. Her own feelings for Shi Yan were deepening, but Bi Ruoshan warned her that Shi Yan’s life was a tempest of complications. According to Bi Ruoshan, some relationships are doomed from the start, and it might be wiser to avoid them altogether.
Despite this, Zheng Shuyi grappled with her emotions. She was torn between the practical advice of her friend and the powerful pull of her heart. Determined to honor her true feelings, Zheng Shuyi resolved to follow her heart, even if it led her into the storm.
Zheng Shuyi eagerly purchased tickets for Song Lelan’s highly anticipated concert, hoping to share the experience with Shi Yan. In her excitement, she mistakenly sent the invitation to Qin Shiyue’s WeChat message, thinking it was Shi Yan. To her surprise, Qin Shiyue enthusiastically accepted the invite, leaving Zheng Shuyi thrilled by the unexpected turn of events.
Meanwhile, Guan Ji, inspired by the buzz around Song Lelan’s 25th anniversary concert, decided to attend with Bi Ruoshan. As Bi Ruoshan reflected on Zheng Shuyi’s advice to follow her heart, she agreed to join Guan Ji for the concert, eager to embrace her own emotions and enjoy the night.
DramaZen's Opinion
Many viewers have criticized Zheng Shuyi for relying on her looks to flirt with Shi Yan rather than showcasing her genuine skills and talent. However, I believe there’s more to it than meets the eye. Shuyi’s flirtation with Shi Yan seems more a game of intrigue and charm than a serious strategy. Unlike her interactions with Shi Yan, she maintains a professional distance with the Professor and the tech company CEO seeking funds, treating them with polite formality. Her nuanced approach suggests that her flirtations with Shi Yan may be part of a larger, more complex strategy.
The burning question, "Why is he playing so hard to get?" has been on everyone's lips lately. The truth is, he's deeply suspicious of her motives. The drama doesn’t fully capture this, but in the novel, Shuyi’s relentless flirting only fuels his wariness. Shi Yan has even dubbed her "actress" as he grapples with her puzzling pursuit and elaborate schemes. His instincts are spot-on—Shuyi initially seeks revenge on her cheating ex by targeting him.
Despite her relentless efforts, Shi Yan is captivated from the start. He's intentionally keeping her at arm’s length to gauge if her feelings are as genuine as his. As a massive introvert struggling to express his emotions, he’s wary of scaring her off with an overt display of affection. His hope is for her to discover the real him gradually, and fall for him truly, without the added layers of her complex game.
The endless boardroom chatter is driving me mad! It's an overwhelming barrage of business jargon mixed with a dash of national propaganda, and to top it off, the English translation is a mess. It's clear the translator chose to battle through the nonsense rather than make it coherent. My head is pounding from all the gibberish!
Overall, I had high hopes for this drama, especially with such a stellar cast, but the production quality is shockingly subpar. And the male lead? What a letdown. His character is so dull, stuck with a single expression throughout. I know Dylan Wang has a broader emotional range from his other works, so this feels like a baffling directorial choice. With a cast this talented and a slow-burn plotline, they could have crafted something truly captivating. What a missed opportunity—sigh.