Caught the Attention of My Friend’s Uncle

Lu Xiaoqiao is a young woman working in the sales department of a clothing company in Hangzhou, though her true passion lies in design. She is currently living with her aunt's family while waiting to move into a new apartment shared with colleagues. Her life is complicated by her cousin Liu Ye and his girlfriend Zheng Yan, who moved into the same house. Zheng Yan maintains a deceptive facade of kindness in public but treats Lu Xiaoqiao with disdain in private, forcing her to do the majority of the household chores while mocking her behind her back. Lu Xiaoqiao endures this mistreatment to avoid causing family discord, planning to leave as soon as possible.

The breaking point arrives on Lu Xiaoqiao's final night at her aunt's house. After overhearing Zheng Yan cruelly discussing her and plotting to harm her, Lu Xiaoqiao discovers that Zheng Yan has placed her beloved puppy, Dumpling, on the outer unit of an air conditioner seven stories high. When Lu Xiaoqiao rescues the terrified animal, she confronts Zheng Yan. The confrontation turns physical when Zheng Yan scratches Lu Xiaoqiao's hand and threatens her. Unable to tolerate the abuse any longer, Lu Xiaoqiao fights back, dragging Zheng Yan into the bathroom and spraying her with alternating cold and hot water until the woman breaks down crying. Lu Xiaoqiao then leaves the house immediately, taking her dog and moving into her new home.

The next day, Lu Xiaoqiao faces a professional challenge when her manager offers her a chance to transfer back to the design department if she successfully negotiates a large procurement contract with Jiangheng Group, the prestigious company next door. The task is difficult because the purchasing manager, Mr. Qian, attempts to extort her into issuing false invoices for kickbacks. Lu Xiaoqiao refuses to participate in illegal activities but remains hopeful when a power restriction at local factories causes competitors to drop out of the bidding process.

Complicating matters further, Lu Xiaoqiao and her friend Lin Lin are scheduled to attend a clothing exhibition in Haicheng. Lin Lin's brother is originally supposed to drive them, but Zhou Qizhen, Lin Lin's wealthy and powerful uncle, intervenes. Zhou Qizhen, the president of Jiangheng Group, reveals a hidden interest in Lu Xiaoqiao. It is disclosed through his secretary that Zhou Qizhen has been aware of her since she defended Lin Lin from bullies in college. He had investigated her background and developed feelings for her, even customizing a car with her initials.

During the trip to Haicheng, Zhou Qizhen travels with Lu Xiaoqiao and her friends. He watches her closely, showing subtle signs of jealousy when others interact with her and concern for her well-being. In Haicheng, Zhou Qizhen handles business meetings while also making time to observe Lu Xiaoqiao. One evening, he finds her and her friends eating cheap popsicles outside their hotel. Instead of maintaining his distant corporate persona, he engages with them, showing a softer side. He offers to take her cooking when they return to Hangzhou, signaling his intent to pursue a relationship despite the significant age gap and social differences.

Back in Hangzhou, Lu Xiaoqiao continues to navigate her workplace dynamics. She successfully avoids the corrupt demands of Mr. Qian and secures the contract through legitimate means, earning her transfer to the design team. Meanwhile, her relationship with Zhou Qizhen begins to develop. He uses his business trips as an excuse to spend time with her, and his friend Li Yuxuan actively encourages him to confess his feelings. The story follows Lu Xiaoqiao as she balances her career aspirations with her growing connection to a man who holds significant power in her professional world, while also dealing with the aftermath of her conflict with Zheng Yan and the ongoing tensions within her extended family.