The Best Day of My Life- Episodes 9-10
As Xu Mu leads Zhang Yao through the vibrant event venue, she goes all out to help him feel at ease. However, the mood shifts when Xie Shi uncovers that this charming newcomer is the very person Xu Mu dined with recently. Zhang's attempt to ask Xu Mu out is abruptly halted by Xie Shi and her colleagues, leaving him visibly crestfallen upon realizing that Xu Mu is dating Xie Shi. The amused glint in Xie Shi's eyes at Zhang's disheartened expression only adds fuel to the fire of their budding rivalry.
Later, Xu Mu and Xie Shi indulge in a shopping spree, their chemistry undeniable as Xie Shi starts to relish Xu Mu's company. Meanwhile, Nian Nian steps into Shen Yi's office to pick him up for dinner, only to find his boss belittling him in front of the entire team. Fueled by protective instincts, she confronts the boss, unaware that Shen Yi is actually the son of the company's chairman, adding an unexpected twist to their relationship.
The next day, the atmosphere is electric at the press conference when Mr. Zhang reveals his muse behind his latest live painting. Though he doesn't name Xu Mu outright, his gratitude and admiration are unmistakably directed at her. After the conference, he finally gathers the courage to ask Xu Mu to dinner, only for Xie Shi to swoop in and interrupt, insisting on inviting them to a company-hosted dinner party instead.
At the dinner, Zhang overhears a conversation between Xu Mu and Xie Shi that shatters his illusions. The reality that their relationship is merely a contract leaves him reeling. As events unfold, Xu Mu and Xie Shi lend a hand to Zhang Yao in setting up his gallery. Once Xu Mu departs, Zhang Yao confronts Xie Shi, revealing his knowledge of the contract and confessing his feelings for Xu Mu. Time is of the essence, he insists; he must ask her out before she falls deeper for Xie Shi.
Back at home, Xie Shi finds himself haunted by Zhang Yao's words, yet he keeps his thoughts to himself. True to his role as Xu Mu's partner, he cooks her a comforting meal and tucks her into bed, earning her admiring gaze as he works his culinary magic.
The following morning, Xu Mu crosses paths with Qiao Nan, Shen Yi's cousin, at the cafeteria. Overhearing snippets about Xie Shi's past with Qiao Nan—ex-lovers who shared a life abroad—stirs insecurities within her. The whispers from her colleagues only exacerbate her feelings of doubt.
Later that evening, a frantic call from Qiao Nan, insisting on speaking to Xie Shi, sends him rushing to her side. Xu Mu, feeling unsettled by the day’s events, retires for the night, only to awaken the next morning to find Xie Shi still absent. The growing tension leaves us on edge: what will happen next in this tangled web of emotions and relationships?
As Xu Mu and her colleagues prepare the venue for Zhang Yao's art exhibition, he expresses heartfelt gratitude, especially towards Xu Mu, whose dedication has made this moment unforgettable. However, the atmosphere shifts when Xie Shi arrives and can't help but feel a pang of jealousy watching Xu Mu grow closer to Zhang Yao.
Amid the hustle, Xu Mu overhears Qiao Nan teasing Xie Shi about a coat left behind, igniting her insecurities and leaving her questioning the nature of their relationship. Eager for clarity, she directly confronts Xie Shi about Qiao Nan. He reveals their shared history from their time at headquarters abroad, but their conversation is abruptly cut short by a work call, leaving Xu Mu in a swirl of confusion.
Later, Nian Nian and Shen Yi invite their friends, including Qiao Nan, on a camping trip. Tension simmers as Xu Mu watches Qiao Nan cozy up to Xie Shi. She remains silent, even as her friends reminisce about Qiao Nan and Xie Shi's close bond, whispering tales of unreciprocated love noted in his old diary.
That night, as they camp under the stars, Xu Mu confides in Nian Nian about Xie Shi spending the night at Qiao Nan's after her distress call. Nian Nian’s probing question about Xu Mu’s feelings for Xie Shi hits home, prompting her to confront the gravity of her own emotions.
The drama escalates when Xu Mu and the team embark on a business trip. After a sudden earthquake traps her and Zhang Yao in her hotel room, Xie Shi frantically calls, but she doesn’t answer. Instead, she finds herself escaping the chaos with Zhang Yao, whose company seems to distract her from her swirling emotions.
Returning home, Xu Mu delivers a shocking ultimatum to Xie Shi: she wants to terminate their contract. The weight of her words stuns him, but she insists their arrangement is causing more confusion than clarity. Despite his reluctance, Xie Shi respects her decision, leaving him shattered.
Now staying with Nian Nian, Xu Mu faces her mother’s ire for her falling out with Xie Shi, while Nian Nian watches her best friend’s heartache with growing concern. Meanwhile, Zhang Yao seizes the moment and invites Xu Mu to a movie date, revealing his awareness of her fake relationship with Xie Shi. Yet, when Xu Mu insists she’s simply thrilled to spend time with her role model as friends, the boundaries between love and friendship are solidified. They will only be "Just Friends"!
DramaZen's Opinion
The veil of secrecy has been lifted, and now Zhang Yao, the love rival, is stepping up his game in the pursuit of Xu Mu. This could be just the jolt Xie Shi needs to finally take action, yet his lingering doubts keep him from seizing the moment.
The tension between the leads is palpable, and it's heartbreaking to witness the misunderstandings tearing them apart. Xie Shi's constant escapades with Qiao Nan—especially that late night escapade—only deepens Xu Mu's insecurities. While their relationship may be a facade for now, his lack of communication has left her adrift in a sea of doubt. A simple hint or gesture could have shed light on his true feelings and intentions, but instead, he's only adding to the confusion, making it all the more frustrating to watch their connection slip away.
Meanwhile, it looks like Qiao Nan will play a pivotal role in helping Xu Mu clarify her feelings about her relationship with Xie Shi. As tensions rise between the rivals, will they unwittingly push Xu Mu and Xie Shi to confront their true emotions?
Perhaps these unexpected twists will propel our leads to make their connection official instead of clinging to a mere facade. The stakes have never been higher, and the path to love is about to get even more thrilling!