When I Pursued You, You Were Cold; Why Are You Crying Now That I’m Married?

Qiao Yin transmigrated into a historical dynasty four years ago and bound herself to a pursuit system. The system mandated that she win the heart of Lu Jinzhi, the cold heir of the Duke's estate, within four years to secure a new life. For three years and eleven months, she acted as a devoted admirer, spending her fortune and dignity to cater to his every whim. On the eve of the deadline, the system malfunctioned, revealing that Lu Jinzhi was the wrong target. She was given one month to make a new target fall in love with her, or face erasure. Realizing her efforts with Lu Jinzhi were futile, Qiao Yin abruptly ended her pursuit.

Her elder brother, Qiao Mo, and her maid, Bizhu, were initially confused by her sudden change of heart. Qiao Yin decided to host a grand birthday banquet at Jifang Garden, originally intended for Lu Jinzhi, but redirected it for General Xie Yu'an of Dingguo. Xie Yu'an was a celebrated military hero known for defeating the Rong Army single-handedly. Qiao Yin climbed over his residence wall to invite him personally, captivated by his handsome appearance and athletic physique. She declared her intention to pursue him, shocking the general, who questioned her sincerity.

At the banquet, Lu Jinzhi arrived expecting to see Qiao Yin's continued subservience, only to be barred from entry by her servants. He discovered that the event was now dedicated to Xie Yu'an. Qiao Yin publicly demanded the return of all gifts she had given Lu Jinzhi and his associates, asserting her independence. Xie Yu'an arrived and defended her when Lu Jinzhi attempted to grab her. The two shared a meal at the Star-Gazing Tower, which Xie Yu'an owned, while Lu Jinzhi was forced to leave in humiliation. Qiao Yin's boldness and directness intrigued Xie Yu'an, who began to reciprocate her attention.

However, Qiao Yin's confidence was shaken when her brother revealed Xie Yu'an's prestigious background as the eldest grandson of the powerful Xie family of Huaizhou. He also recounted how Qiao Yin had been cruelly humiliated by Lu Jinzhi four years prior when he stood her up in the rain. Despite her fears, Qiao Yin planned a flower-viewing outing with Xie Yu'an. Her brother, attempting to distract her from heartbreak, arranged a gathering with several handsome men who resembled Lu Jinzhi. Qiao Yin, realizing her true interest lay with Xie Yu'an, fled the gathering into the rain.

She encountered Xie Yu'an at a tavern, who had been waiting for her at the city gate in the storm. Misunderstandings arose when Xie Yu'an saw her with other men, leading to a cold confrontation. Qiao Yin rushed to the racecourse the next day to apologize, explaining that her insecurity stemmed from his high status and his rejection of Princess Ningyao. Xie Yu'an, amused by her honesty, pulled her onto his horse. He acknowledged her feelings and agreed to continue their relationship, though he remained wary of her past behavior. Qiao Yin resolved to win his heart within the remaining month to save her life.