Sweet First Love- Episode Mini Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Su Nian Feng, formerly Zhuo Yi Feng, lost her memory after a tragic accident and now lives with Su Mu Yun, who has taken on the role of her overprotective "brother." As they navigate their final year of high school, Su Nian Feng struggles to keep up with her studies, aspiring to get into university just to escape her brother's overbearing ways. Despite his constant teasing, Su Mu Yun looks after her — from returning her forgotten textbooks to helping with study sessions. Along the way, Su Nian Feng nurtures a tiny crush on Qin Yao, a gentle basketball player, and provides emotional support to another boy, Le Di Yin, who hides a serious heart condition. Su Mu Yun’s jealousy is triggered when others get close to his “sister,” showing that their bond might be deeper than it appears.
Episode 2 Recap
Su Nian Feng is frustrated when she finds out Su Mu Yun scribbled all over her exam textbook — only to discover he correctly predicted the test answers. During a flashback, Su Nian Feng remembers comforting a young Su Mu Yun after he was bullied, promising to become his “chef” so he would grow strong. That same sense of care lingers into the present as Su Mu Yun comforts her after a poor test performance. When Su Nian Feng gets the chance to retake the test, Su Mu Yun stays up all night to help her study. Thanks to his support, she aces the exam, and we begin to see the deeper affection he hides behind his teasing.
Episode 3 Recap
Jealousy comes to the forefront when Su Mu Yun notices two boys vying for Su Nian Feng’s attention: Qin Yao, whom Su Mu Yun feels he can easily handle, and Le Di Yin, who proves to be more challenging. Su Nian Feng collapses one day from hunger and menstrual pain, leading Su Mu Yun to whisk her to the infirmary and care for her in secret. It becomes clear that Su Mu Yun is familiar with her quirks, as he even carries her during one of her sleepwalking episodes. Despite being offered a chance to attend a prestigious university, Su Mu Yun declines, preferring to follow Su Nian Feng wherever she goes.
Episode 4 Recap
When a student pressures Su Nian Feng into joining the school’s talent show, Su Mu Yun fiercely defends her, asserting that only he can tease her. Su Mu Yun’s protective instincts intensify when Qin Yao’s girlfriend insults Su Nian Feng’s broadcasting skills. Despite dealing with a fever, Su Mu Yun steps in to stand up for her, and the two boys continue to vie for her attention. Liu Zi Hui, meanwhile, develops a crush on Su Mu Yun, sensing something unusual about the relationship between the “siblings.”
Episode 5 Recap
After rushing to the emergency room for Le Di Yin, Su Nian Feng is touched by Su Mu Yun’s dedication as he pedals a bike barefoot to see her. Later, Su Mu Yun confesses he always prioritized her academic success without considering her dreams, vowing to support her no matter what. At the talent show, Su Nian Feng forgets her lines and improvises a heartfelt speech inspired by Le Di Yin’s perseverance. The speech goes viral and gives Le Di Yin renewed hope as he prepares for an upcoming surgery.
Episode 6 Recap
Following her speech’s success, Su Nian Feng tries to raise money for Le Di Yin’s farewell gift, only to encounter trouble on the way home. She panics during a taxi ride, her vision blurs, and she’s saved just in time by Su Mu Yun. Meanwhile, Su Mu Yun makes a huge personal sacrifice by giving up an opportunity at a top-tier university just to stay near Su Nian Feng, renting an apartment nearby. As their relationship deepens, Su Mu Yun continues his nightly routine of calling her “Zhuo Yi Feng” in private — hinting at the real emotions that linger beneath their sibling dynamic.
Episode 7 Recap
Su Nian Feng struggles to adjust to college life, but Su Mu Yun makes sure to stay by her side, even going as far as preventing her from sleeping in the dorms alone due to her sleepwalking. Qin Yao’s girlfriend causes tension again by dragging Su Nian Feng into a humiliating situation, but Su Mu Yun quickly sees through the scheme. As Su Nian Feng reflects on her growing dependence on Su Mu Yun, she begins to realize that their connection goes beyond ordinary sibling affection.
Episode 8 Recap
A viral video falsely accusing Su Nian Feng of animal abuse spreads online, and Su Mu Yun works tirelessly to clear her name, uploading videos to correct the narrative. He warns her to be wary of Ou Yang Qing Xue, a seemingly innocent classmate whose intentions may be far from pure. Meanwhile, Su Nian Feng bonds with a stray cat named Snowball, and Su Mu Yun helps her get it back from an exploitative café owner. Their bond continues to deepen, with Su Mu Yun teasingly reminding her that he knows her better than anyone else.
Episode 9 Recap
Su Nian Feng finally lands a part-time job but is stunned to find that her boss is Ou Yang Yu, a man who seems to know everything about her. Meanwhile, her long-time crush Qin Yao gently rejects her before she can confess, prompting Su Mu Yun to comfort her in his arms. As Su Nian Feng’s dreams of participating in a dance competition are sabotaged, Su Mu Yun uncovers the truth about the Ou Yang family’s involvement in her past, including a tragic connection to her parents' death. The episode ends with Su Mu Yun pleading with Su Nian Feng to quit her job, knowing the danger that lies ahead.
Episode 10:
Su Mu Yun embarks on a frantic search for a specific ice cream flavor that Su Nian Feng loves. However, amidst his search, he discovers troubling news—Liu Zi Hui informs him that Ou Yang Qing Xue has taken Su Nian Feng away. Ou Yang convinces her that Su Mu Yun's parents were responsible for tampering with her parents' accident, planting seeds of doubt and anger in Su Nian Feng’s heart. As painful fragments of her memory begin to return, Su Nian Feng emotionally breaks down. Su Mu Yun rushes to her aid, but she pushes him away, injuring his hand in the process.
Later, Su Nian Feng spirals further, getting drunk and nearly assaulted by two men. Su Mu Yun intervenes, taking the hit to protect her despite his injuries. Meanwhile, Liu Zi Hui’s home life also takes a grim turn as her abusive father continues to torment her for being "useless."
Episode 11:
Su Nian Feng disappears without a trace, sending Su Mu Yun into a desperate search for her. During her time away, she adopts her birth name, Zhuo Yi Feng, shedding her old identity and innocence. Her encounter with Le Di Yin upon his return from surgery stirs jealousy in Su Mu Yun. When Su Mu Yun finally finds her, he sees her embracing Le Di Yin, amplifying his inner turmoil. The emotional tension among the characters deepens as they navigate their rekindled connections.
Episode 12:
Jealousy consumes Su Mu Yun as Zhuo Yi Feng chooses to lean on Le Di Yin during a rough patch, leaving her brother feeling sidelined. As she packs her belongings to move out, strange muddy stains on one of her items lead the Su parents to speculate about an unresolved mystery. For now, Zhuo Yi Feng keeps her distance from Su Mu Yun, maintaining emotional walls between them.
Episode 13:
Zhuo Yi Feng drunkenly reaches out to Su Mu Yun, leading to a chance encounter that brings them face-to-face with lingering emotions. Su Mu Yun reveals the real reason he watches over her sleepwalking—a need to protect her, no matter what. As they walk home in the early morning light, Zhuo Yi Feng tears up but holds firm in her decision not to return to Su Mu Yun’s home. Meanwhile, Le Di Yin collapses and is rushed to the hospital, deepening the characters' emotional entanglements.
Episode 14:
Zhuo Yi Feng digs into documents related to her parents' deaths, suspecting something sinister. After bumping into Qin Yao, she learns of his girlfriend’s infidelity. The episode culminates with Zhuo Yi Feng and Qin Yao on a double date, where Zhuo Yi Feng boldly exposes his girlfriend's cheating ways. Qin Yao and Zhuo Yi Feng share a reflective moment, hinting at emotions left unexplored between them, though it becomes clear that they've missed their chance with each other.
Episode 15:
Zhuo Yi Feng moves into a new place, and Su Mu Yun, ever the protective brother, helps her settle in. During an intimate moment, Su Mu Yun finally confesses his feelings, leaving Zhuo Yi Feng too stunned to respond immediately. Their relationship begins to evolve as Zhuo Yi Feng starts seeing Su Mu Yun in a new light, realizing that perhaps he’s the one she’s always held closest in her heart. As their bond deepens, Su Mu Yun becomes more attentive, even painting a window in her windowless room to make her feel at home.
Episode 16:
Su Mu Yun brings a blanket for Zhuo Yi Feng, worried she might catch a cold. Their emotional dynamic shifts as Zhuo Yi Feng insists that only in Su Mu Yun’s arms can she truly feel safe. Overwhelmed by the complexity of his feelings, Su Mu Yun rushes away but not before leaving behind lingering tension. That night, Qin Yao manipulates Su Mu Yun into believing that Zhuo Yi Feng shared a moment with someone else, deepening the heartache. A drunken confrontation ensues, and Zhuo Yi Feng collapses into Su Mu Yun's arms, asking him to take her home, leaving viewers questioning where "home" truly is for these two.
Episode 17:
Zhuo Yi Feng is hospitalized, and Su Mu Yun remains steadfast by her side. He goes above and beyond to learn her preferences, even bringing her various flavors of congee. Meanwhile, Qin Yao's reappearance triggers jealousy in Su Mu Yun, forcing him to confront the depth of his feelings. Zhuo Yi Feng's growing fondness for Su Mu Yun becomes undeniable, but an unexpected message from Ou Yang Qing Xue complicates matters further. As tensions build, Su Mu Yun quietly wonders when he'll finally become the most important person in Zhuo Yi Feng’s heart.
Episode 18
Su Mu Yun’s troubles intensify as Ou Yang Yu’s interference continues, secretly sabotaging Zhuo Yi Feng’s moments of happiness—such as ruining the bouquet from Le Di Yin. Meanwhile, Zhuo Yi Feng seeks therapy for her sleepwalking and slowly starts piecing together forgotten memories, particularly how much Su Mu Yun has always been there for her. She sends him a heartfelt text, thanking him for “everything,” leaving him wondering what exactly she means.
At their graduation party, Liu Zi Hui glams up Zhuo Yi Feng, but Su Mu Yun, overcome with possessiveness, covers her with his coat to keep her hidden from others. Later, he gracefully asks for a dance, sweeping her off her feet—literally—and they share an emotional kiss. However, things take a turn when Zhuo Yi Feng encounters Qin Yao, causing her to forget Su Mu Yun for the moment. This sparks jealousy and chaos as Ou Yang Qing Xue makes a final attempt to manipulate Zhuo Yi Feng, offering her a deal to clear her family’s name in exchange for her loyalty.
Episode 19
Zhuo Yi Feng’s night spirals out of control when she runs into danger at a bar. After offending some drunk patrons, she frantically calls Su Mu Yun for help, but with no answer, she’s forced to rely on Qin Yao. When Su Mu Yun finally shows up, he’s furious to see her with Qin Yao, and the two engage in a tense argument. Later, Qin Yao tries to smooth things over with Su Mu Yun, claiming he only meant to help his brother. Meanwhile, Le Di Yin encourages Zhuo Yi Feng to let go of petty fights, but tensions linger between her and Su Mu Yun.
Both Zhuo Yi Feng and Su Mu Yun struggle during their internships. Su Mu Yun loses his job after refusing help from Ou Yang Qing Xue’s family, determined not to be in their debt. In parallel, Zhuo Yi Feng faces emotional turmoil as she tries to balance her professional life with lingering feelings for Su Mu Yun. Qin Yao and Liu Zi Hui team up to make Zhuo Yi Feng jealous, igniting a spark that rekindles her connection with Su Mu Yun.
Episode 20
With his project gaining momentum, Su Mu Yun takes Zhuo Yi Feng out for dinner. However, Zhuo Yi Feng micromanages the meal, much to the amusement of their friends. Qin Yao sarcastically calls it "eating dog food" as the couple radiates their affection. The night takes a bittersweet turn when Su Mu Yun gives Zhuo Yi Feng a pair of rings, asking her to be his girlfriend. Still scarred by her past, she hesitates, unsure if he can truly be the angel she needs in her life. Undeterred, Su Mu Yun vows to prove himself to her.
To lighten the mood, Liu Zi Hui hatches a plan to help Su Mu Yun win Zhuo Yi Feng’s heart. From dancing lessons to wearing silly costumes, Su Mu Yun embraces every challenge to impress her. Eventually, Zhuo Yi Feng warms up to Su Mu Yun’s quirky ways, realizing that perhaps love means embracing imperfections—whether it’s a lizard as a pet or a dance in a panda suit.
Episode 21
Su Mu Yun continues to go above and beyond to make Zhuo Yi Feng happy, holding back his usual teasing to support her every whim. His efforts are not lost on her, and she slowly begins to see him in a new light. Zhuo Yi Feng realizes she can’t continue her path as a doctor, as the emotional toll is too overwhelming. With Su Mu Yun’s encouragement, she decides to open her own café. However, her peace is short-lived when Ou Yang Qing Xue spreads rumors, threatening to destroy her newfound happiness.
In a heart-wrenching twist, Su Mu Yun struggles with jealousy when he learns that Zhuo Yi Feng still keeps Ou Yang Yu’s necklace as a reminder of their past. But when he discovers that the necklace was actually a gift from Liu Zi Hui, he realizes the misunderstanding and channels his energy into building a meaningful gift for Zhuo Yi Feng—a robot named “Su Xiao Ai” (Little Love) meant to bring warmth and happiness to her life.
Episode 22–23
As Zhuo Yi Feng and Su Mu Yun’s relationship deepens, Ou Yang Qing Xue makes one last desperate attempt to win Zhuo Yi Feng’s heart, revealing shocking truths about Su Mu Yun’s parents. In an emotional confrontation, Zhuo Yi Feng learns the tragic story behind her parents' death and the betrayal by the very people they trusted. Despite the painful revelations, Zhuo Yi Feng and Su Mu Yun promise to uncover the full truth together.
Determined to prove his love, Su Mu Yun focuses on completing the robot “Su Xiao Ai” to propose to Zhuo Yi Feng. Meanwhile, Ou Yang Qing Xue spirals into jealousy and confusion, frustrated that Su Mu Yun’s devotion to Zhuo Yi Feng remains unshaken, even after all these years.
Episode 24
Le Di Yin’s health deteriorates rapidly, and he leaves a heartfelt farewell letter for Zhuo Yi Feng, urging her to cherish Su Mu Yun. But just as all hope seems lost, Le Di Yin’s miraculous recovery stuns everyone, thanks to experimental research funded by the Ou Yang family. As Su Mu Yun prepares to propose at his award ceremony, Le Di Yin’s sudden appearance temporarily steals the spotlight, but Zhuo Yi Feng’s heart belongs only to Su Mu Yun.
Their romantic journey culminates in a proposal under the stars, and despite a series of humorous interruptions, the two finally share their vows. Zhuo Yi Feng overcomes her fear of car rides, clutching the diamond ring Su Mu Yun gave her as they ride off into the sunset. Back at home, their playful banter continues as Su Mu Yun teases her about a quirky stuffed toy she insists on bringing along for their honeymoon.
In a heartwarming flashback, we see the promise they made to each other as children—to marry and stay together forever, just like their parents. Their love story comes full circle, proving that through all the misunderstandings and challenges, they were always meant to be together.
The end.
DramaZen's Opinion
A Flawed but Enjoyable Journey Through Enemies-to-Lovers Territory
When I first started this Chinese drama, I was drawn in by the promise of an enemies-to-lovers plot, a beloved trope for good reason. However, as I delved into the story, the characters didn’t quite hit the mark the way I had hoped. While the relatively fresh-faced cast gave a respectable effort, the writing didn’t allow the characters to shine in any meaningful way.
The male lead, unfortunately, lacked emotional depth. His stoic “cold thunder” demeanor was supposed to mask his hidden soft side, but his rigid facial expressions made it difficult to connect with his character’s inner warmth. Meanwhile, the female lead was written in a way that bordered on frustratingly naive. Watching her blindly trust a manipulative "green tea" villain over the brother and family who had loved and cared for her for years was baffling. It felt like an unnecessary and clumsy plot device that made her character seem more foolish than endearing.
Then there was the best friend, whose unwavering crush on the male lead dragged on far past the point of believability. Two episodes in, it was painfully obvious that he had zero interest in her, yet her obsession lingered, adding little to the plot.
That said, not all was lost. The drama’s light and fluffy college romance setting was enjoyable enough to keep me invested, despite the slow start. While some characters could have used more development, there was noticeable character growth by the end, which gave the story a bit more substance. And while the female lead’s acting could use refinement, her charm and potential were undeniable—she just needs more experience to fully deliver.
Interestingly, the drama didn’t hit its stride until episodes 10-13, where the pacing picked up, and the emotional stakes finally started to land. If you’re looking for an easy, light-hearted romance with some sweet moments, it’s worth giving this drama a shot. But be warned: if by episode 5 it hasn’t captured your heart, it might be time to move on to something else.