The workplace romance Chinese drama As Beautiful As You, featuring Xu Kai and Tan Songyun in the lead roles, released its first set of episodes on July 2, 2024. As seen in the official trailer, the drama tells the story of Ji Xing (Tan Songyun), who resigns from her job to pursue entrepreneurship, and Han Ting (Xu Kai), who becomes her investor. Episode one focuses on the duo’s first encounter.
In this episode, Ji Xing is on a phone call with her mother before leaving for work. She informs her that she and her boyfriend have been house-hunting so they can move right in after marriage. She seems to have a stable relationship with her boyfriend, Yichen. Ji Xing tells her mother not to pester her about marriage, as both she and her boyfriend prioritize their careers and think buying a house is much more important in this economy than a formal marriage. Ji Xing lives with her flatmate, Tu Xiaomeng, an online streamer.
Meanwhile, Han Ting is returning from Germany to China to take over his grandfather’s medical company. He shows his business genius when he cleverly approaches a board member who tries to go behind his back. He cancels the board meeting to stop his cousin Ms. Yuan’s sly strategies.
As Beautiful As You episode 1 spoilers
Ji Xing is late to work as the bus station is under construction. Considering the high price of the taxis, she is forced to rent a bicycle. While in a hurry, her bicycle bumps into Han Ting’s car and causes slight damage. She promises to compensate for the damage. Meanwhile, she catches Han Ting’s eyes. It appears that he knows her from before. But for some reason, he avoids being seen by her.
But unknown to them, they are headed to the same collaboration meeting organized by their respective companies. Han Ting shows his strict professional ethics once again when he scolds the presenter for not making the business structure himself. It turns out that Ji Xing worked hard to prepare the presentation but didn’t get to present it. On Han Ting’s command, she gets up on stage to showcase her project. It is evident that the duo are past acquaintances. But Han Ting completely ignores her.
Are Xu Kai & Tan Songyun past acquaintances?
After the meeting, Ji Xing meets an old friend to help him with his start-up business. The friend informs her that he has managed to gather capital for the business and wants Ji Xing to join him. He reminds her about her wish to open a technology firm. But Ji Xing has many responsibilities now, and she is content with her current job. Her friend convinces her to seriously consider his offer. Meanwhile, Ji Xing receives a call from her boss, Miss Zeng, who invites her to a meeting with a possible client.
Ji Xing and her boss meet the client at a private club. She is surprised to see Han Ting sitting there.
What happens in As Beautiful As You episode 1’s ending?
After she impresses the client with her poker skills, he attempts to get close to her. Then, Han Ting notices the client putting his arm on her shoulder. Seeing Ji Xing’s discomfort, he trades seats with her to protect her. Looking at Han Ting, Ji Xing goes down memory lane. The duo were high school friends and quite close to each other. They played cards during their free periods.
Han Ting criticizes Miss Zeng for having Ji Xing around strange men as a way to promote her project and convinces her to send her back home.
After the meeting, Han Ting goes to a convenience store to have a meal. His concern doesn’t go unnoticed by his friend.
As Beautiful As You is available to stream throughout the week on Tencent Video, WeTV, and iQIYI.
