After the Breakup, the Cold Doctor Cheng Cries Tears and Snot

Luo Jia, a dedicated nurse at Night City’s prestigious Changning Hospital, has secretly loved her colleague Gu Boning for a decade. Gu Boning, a handsome and ambitious deputy director of orthopedics, initiates a physical relationship with her after a night of drinking. Despite his cold public demeanor and history with his long-term girlfriend Jiang Zhen, Gu Boning agrees to date Luo Jia under the condition that they keep the relationship secret to protect their professional reputations during critical career evaluation periods. Luo Jia, burdened by family obligations and lacking local residency, accepts these terms, believing that having him in her life is better than nothing. She endures his emotional unavailability and his continued entanglement with Jiang Zhen, hoping that her devotion will eventually earn her a permanent place by his side.

The turning point arrives on their hundred-day anniversary when Luo Jia unexpectedly visits Gu Boning’s apartment. Through the door, she overhears a violent confrontation between Gu Boning and Jiang Zhen, who is threatening suicide with a knife. Gu Boning prioritizes Jiang Zhen’s safety, pleading with her to put down the weapon, while casually dismissing Luo Jia as merely a "fuck buddy" to placate his ex-girlfriend. Realizing she is nothing more than a convenient sexual outlet to Gu Boning, Luo Jia silently leaves. Heartbroken and resolved, she seeks solace in alcohol and spends the night with a stranger, Cheng Jin, at a hotel. She intends to forget Gu Boning through this encounter, but fate intervenes when she discovers the next morning that Cheng Jin is the newly returned senior orthopedic director at her own hospital.

Cheng Jin, a genius doctor with an international background, is introduced to the department with great fanfare. He immediately recognizes Luo Jia, but instead of exposing their one-night stand, he covers for her by praising her professional help during a recent accident. Their paths cross again when Luo Jia is harassed by a wealthy, entitled male patient who attempts to buy her affection. When Gu Boning refuses to acknowledge Luo Jia as his girlfriend to avoid trouble, Cheng Jin steps in. He publicly claims to be Luo Jia’s boyfriend and brutally incapacitates the harasser, protecting her dignity and forcing the patient’s family to apologize and offer compensation. Cheng Jin uses his influence to ensure the negligent head nurse is dismissed and Luo Jia is supported by the hospital administration.

Following this incident, Cheng Jin begins an aggressive and open pursuit of Luo Jia. He works night shifts specifically to be near her, brings her food, and publicly declares his intentions, forcing Luo Jia to confront her feelings. Unlike Gu Boning, who treated their relationship as a secret affair, Cheng Jin demands transparency and respect. He admits that his initial attraction was physical but evolved into genuine care after witnessing her kindness and resilience. Luo Jia, still wounded by Gu Boning’s betrayal, struggles to trust Cheng Jin’s sincerity. She fears that accepting him will only lead to more heartbreak or professional scandal, especially given the power dynamics at the hospital.

Gu Boning, meanwhile, begins to regret his decision to let Luo Jia go. He notices her cold detachment and becomes obsessed with finding out if she has moved on to someone else, specifically suspecting Cheng Jin. His jealousy is compounded by the knowledge that Cheng Jin provided Luo Jia with the protection and respect he never could. As Luo Jia navigates her head nurse promotion while dealing with Cheng Jin’s persistent courtship and Gu Boning’s lingering presence, the story explores the contrast between toxic, secretive love and a relationship built on mutual respect and open affection. Luo Jia must decide whether to remain in the shadows of Gu Boning’s indifference or step into the light of Cheng Jin’s unwavering devotion.