Ying Ruyue is a young anesthesiologist returning to her hometown of S City after completing her internship at a hospital in A City. She comes from a prestigious medical dynasty; her grandfather, Old Master Ying, is a retired renowned surgeon who raised her after her parents divorced and her father passed away. Her closest friend is Zhen Zhenzhen, a policewoman she has known since junior high. Upon her return, Ruyue plans to apply for a position at S University Affiliated Hospital, hoping to stay close to home and her grandfather.
The central figure in Ruyue’s life is Wen Jingran, a brilliant and handsome surgeon who is Old Master Ying’s favorite protégé. Their relationship is complicated by a traumatic incident from their high school graduation night. At that time, Ruyue became severely intoxicated and nearly assaulted Wen Jingran, an event that left her with deep shame and caused her to avoid him for four years. Despite this, Wen Jingran has maintained a quiet, persistent affection for her, watching over her from a distance and remembering every detail of her life since they first met when she was sixteen.
The story begins with a chance encounter at the hospital where Ruyue is introduced to Wen Jingran as the lead surgeon for a patient’s operation. The tension between them is palpable, marked by lingering glances and unspoken history. Later, Ruyue returns to S City and reunites with Zhen Zhenzhen. During a late-night outing, Ruyue spots Wen Jingran across the street, and he immediately recognizes her, calling her directly despite her attempt to remain unseen. This encounter forces them to confront their past.
A key turning point occurs when Old Master Ying invites Wen Jingran and Ruyue to a hot spring resort on Dongju Mountain for a family gathering. During the trip, Wen Jingran drives Ruyue, revealing that he is the brother of the resort’s owner. At the resort, Wen Jingran uses a booking error as an excuse to stay in Ruyue’s room, initiating a period of close, forced proximity. He rests in her room while she prepares for her upcoming written exam, and their interactions reveal a shift in their dynamic. Wen Jingran is no longer the distant, perfect senior brother but someone who actively teases and engages with her, challenging her attempts to maintain emotional distance.
Ruyue’s internal conflict stems from her belief that she is not worthy of Wen Jingran’s attention due to her past mistake and her own insecurities about her abilities compared to his brilliance. She recalls how she chose A University over S University partly to avoid the pressure of being compared to him. However, Wen Jingran’s actions suggest he remembers her not for her shortcomings but for her resilience and character. He recalls moments from her youth, such as when she brought him dumplings during a lonely New Year’s Day, showing that his feelings have deep roots.
As the story progresses, the dinner at the resort highlights the growing attention from Wen Jingran’s colleagues, who are surprised by his warmth toward Ruyue. Wen Jingran’s subtle acts of care, such as peeling crab meat for her and refilling her juice, indicate his intentions. The narrative explores the power dynamics between them, with Wen Jingran often taking the lead while Ruyue struggles to keep up emotionally. The hot spring trip serves as a catalyst for unraveling the misunderstandings and fears that have kept them apart, setting the stage for a potential reconciliation and the development of a romantic relationship based on mutual understanding and shared history.
