The Early Spring Episode 12 continues the emotional story of Shang Zhitao and Luan Nian after their painful argument leaves their secret relationship on the verge of collapse. Zhitao has convinced herself that she and Luan Nian belong to different worlds, while Luan Nian is frustrated that she repeatedly questions his feelings instead of trusting him. When Zhitao falls seriously ill, however, Luan Nian puts their disagreement aside and rushes to take care of her. Her illness brings them into close contact again, forcing both to confront the affection they have been trying to hide behind pride, jealousy and emotional distance. The episode begins with Luan Nian arriving at Zhitao's apartment after learning that she has developed a high fever. He insists that she accompany him to the hospital, but Zhitao stubbornly refuses because she does not want to depend on him. When he attempts to check her temperature, she instinctively pulls away, revealing that their recent argument has left her emotionally guarded. Luan Nian becomes increasingly worried about her condition. He wraps her in his coat, supports her as she walks to his car and finally persuades her to seek medical attention. When she continues resisting, he threatens to contact her parents using the emergency information available through the company, making it clear that he will not allow her health to deteriorate simply because she is angry with him. At the hospital, the doctor diagnoses Zhitao with mild mycoplasma pneumonia and recommends appropriate treatment and rest. Luan Nian takes the diagnosis seriously and begins making arrangements for her recovery. He discreetly contacts his mother, Dr. Liang, to ask what food would be suitable for someone with pneumonia. Rather than admitting that he is personally caring for his girlfriend, he presents the question as a general medical inquiry. His concern demonstrates a softer side of his personality that is rarely visible at work, where he usually maintains a strict and sometimes intimidating manner. After the hospital visit, Luan Nian brings Zhitao to his apartment so that he can monitor her condition. He prepares congee for her, carefully considering her weakened state and the doctor's advice. When he hears her coughing, he becomes distracted and accidentally burns his hand while cooking. The injury is minor, but it reveals how anxious he has become about her health. When Zhitao wakes up and notices the burn, she asks whether he has applied medicine to it. Luan Nian dismisses his own injury and urges her to eat, prioritizing her recovery over his discomfort. Despite his efforts, Zhitao remains troubled by their relationship. She feels uncomfortable staying in his home and worries that accepting his care will make it even harder to maintain her independence. She tells him that she wants to end their relationship and asks him to take her home once she is able to travel. Luan Nian agrees to discuss the matter but insists that she must recover fully before making any final decision. His response frustrates her because she wants to resolve the emotional uncertainty immediately, while he refuses to let a serious illness become another reason for them to separate. Zhitao later reflects on how young people sometimes make decisions without fully considering their consequences. She struggles to understand why she has allowed herself to become involved in a relationship that brings both happiness and insecurity. Her feelings for Luan Nian are genuine, but she fears that their differences in background, personality and professional status will eventually hurt her. She wants to protect herself before becoming even more emotionally attached, yet her growing dependence on him makes that increasingly difficult. As Zhitao begins recovering, Luan Nian prepares toiletries and other necessities for her. He has even obtained contact lenses matching her exact prescription, showing that he has paid attention to details about her needs. When she asks whether these things were purchased specifically for her, he refuses to admit it. Instead, he sarcastically suggests that other women might use the same items and tells her to label her belongings so that nobody gets them mixed up. His teasing reveals his difficulty expressing affection directly, while Zhitao interprets his remarks through her existing insecurity about his romantic history. Later, the two sit in the living room watching a projection on the wall. Zhitao deliberately chooses a seat far away from Luan Nian, trying to maintain emotional distance even though she is staying in his home. His sharp comments soon irritate her, and she asks whether he treats everyone so coldly or reserves his worst behavior specifically for her. Luan Nian approaches her and questions whether she is trying to end their relationship simply because she is angry. Zhitao insists that she is serious, but the tension between them makes it clear that neither has completely let go of the other. Snow begins falling outside the apartment, creating a quiet moment that changes the direction of their argument. Luan Nian takes Zhitao to the window to watch the snowfall and opens it, allowing the cold air to enter. When she shivers, he warns her that if she insists on breaking up, they can remain there together until they freeze into ice sculptures. His exaggerated threat is both a joke and an emotional appeal, forcing Zhitao to recognize that he does not want their relationship to end. She finally promises that they will not separate, and he carries her back to the sofa. Their exchange reveals that beneath their arguments, both are afraid of losing the connection they have formed. Zhitao continues to struggle with another source of insecurity: the expensive black and white luxury-brand boxes she previously noticed in Luan Nian's car. She wonders whether she is simply one of many women who receive gifts from him. Luan Nian laughs at her suspicion and explains that luxury purchases can involve a process known as pre-spending or establishing a purchase history to obtain desirable items. He encourages her to learn about the practice rather than jumping to conclusions. Zhitao stubbornly refuses to discuss it, claiming that she has no interest in learning about luxury shopping or about him. Their conversation illustrates how easily their playful teasing becomes a source of misunderstanding when neither is willing to admit what is really bothering them. Meanwhile, Sun Yuanzhu faces family pressure of his own. His parents contact him after sending him homemade buns and other food. His mother discusses plans to purchase a larger house, but the conversation soon turns into a demand for money. His father insists that he immediately transfer thirty thousand yuan because the property represents a rare opportunity. Yuanzhu is uncomfortable with the request but feels unable to refuse his parents. He eventually transfers the money, revealing the financial responsibilities that weigh on him despite his efforts to build an independent life. While Luan Nian goes out to buy groceries, Sun Yu calls Zhitao to check on her condition. Zhitao admits that Luan Nian is taking good care of her, although she still feels uncertain about his relationship with Zang Yao. She wants to ask him directly about his childhood friend but cannot bring herself to raise the subject. Sun Yu advises her not to rush into a difficult conversation while she is unwell. However, before they can discuss the matter further, the doorbell rings. Zhitao assumes that Luan Nian has returned from shopping and opens the door without checking who is outside. Instead, she finds Zang Yao standing there, visibly drunk and carrying a bottle of alcohol. Zang Yao enters the apartment and behaves as though she has every right to be there because of her long history with Luan Nian. Zhitao is surprised and uncomfortable, especially because she is still trying to understand where she stands in his life. When Luan Nian returns, Zhitao offers to leave them alone so that the childhood friends can talk privately. Luan Nian immediately rejects the suggestion and tells her that Zang Yao is the person who should leave. Zang Yao attempts to lighten the atmosphere by proposing a childhood game involving rock-paper-scissors. The loser must either answer a personal question truthfully or receive a flick on the forehead. The game initially appears playful, but it quickly exposes the different levels of intimacy between the three people. Zang Yao knows many details about Luan Nian's childhood and recalls how he used to speak to his favorite red fish, Hongqi, because he was reluctant to communicate with people. Her stories reveal a long history that Zhitao cannot share with him, reinforcing her feeling that she is entering a life that was already shaped by other relationships long before she arrived. During the game, Zang Yao discusses her return to China after ending a relationship with her British boyfriend. She admits that she followed someone she cared about to Guangzhou, revealing the emotional circumstances behind her recent return. Her confession suggests that her feelings for Luan Nian have never completely disappeared. However, Luan Nian does not respond with the romantic encouragement she may have hoped for. Instead, he continues treating her as a childhood friend and maintains a clear distinction between their shared past and his present relationship. The game also brings attention to a crescent-shaped scar on Luan Nian's left leg. Zang Yao explains that he received the injury when he was seven years old after climbing to raid a bird's nest. She recalls that he behaved like a serious adult even as a child, rarely showing the cheerful or carefree personality expected of someone his age. Her memories demonstrate the depth of their familiarity, but they also give Zhitao a chance to learn about Luan Nian's past through a more personal perspective. When Luan Nian loses a round, Zhitao lightly flicks his forehead. Her gentle gesture contrasts with the forceful flicks he gives the others, making the difference in her treatment of him obvious. Zang Yao notices their closeness and asks when they intend to get married. Luan Nian warns her not to spread rumors to his mother, Dr. Liang, but he does not deny the significance of his relationship with Zhitao. Zang Yao gradually realizes that she is intruding on something more intimate than an ordinary friendship. She eventually leaves the apartment, and once outside, she breaks down in tears as she remembers Luan Nian's rejection during their Switzerland trip. She understands that the man she has loved for years does not share her romantic feelings. After Zang Yao leaves, Luan Nian brings Zhitao her medicine and reminds her to take it. His mood changes when he asks whether her former boyfriend used to flick her forehead more gently than he does. Zhitao realizes that he is jealous and deliberately teases him in return. She asks to see the scar on his leg, using Zang Yao's story as an excuse to examine it herself. Their playful exchange leads to a kiss, and the earlier tension begins to dissolve. The two continue discussing their respective experiences during the holiday. Luan Nian asks whether Zhitao enjoyed hiking with her roommates more than spending time with him. Zhitao responds by asking whether his trip with Zang Yao was more enjoyable. Their mutual jealousy finally brings the real issue into the open: both are afraid that the other person has shared experiences and emotional connections that they cannot compete with. Although they express their concerns through teasing and sarcasm, their questions reveal how much they care about being important to each other. Zhitao admits that she feels insecure because she and Luan Nian have not shared as many memories as he and Zang Yao have. She worries that their relationship lacks the foundation of familiarity that comes from knowing someone since childhood. Luan Nian explains that Zang Yao's family has long been close to his mother, who often prescribed medicine for her when she was a child. When his parents travelled abroad for business, he frequently ate at Zang Yao's home because her mother was an excellent cook. Their connection grew from family circumstances and childhood friendship rather than an ongoing romantic relationship. Luan Nian also makes it clear that he does not want Zhitao to measure their relationship against his past. His childhood with Zang Yao is part of his history, but it does not determine whom he chooses to love now. Zhitao begins to understand that she has been allowing her insecurity to turn ordinary memories into evidence of a romantic rivalry. By explaining the background of his friendship, Luan Nian gives her the reassurance she has been unable to ask for directly. The atmosphere becomes warmer as Zhitao acknowledges Luan Nian's softer qualities. Although he often claims that he is not cheerful and has little empathy, she recognizes that he does care about people, even if he rarely expresses it in conventional ways. She has seen his determination to protect his employees, his generosity toward friends and his willingness to care for her while she is ill. Their conversation helps both understand that affection does not always look the same in every person, and that a relationship requires learning how the other person expresses love. As the two settle into a quiet moment together, Luan Nian asks Zhitao to change the way she addresses him after the holiday. He wants her to call him by his name, Luan Nian, rather than maintaining the emotional distance implied by their usual forms of address. Zhitao softly repeats his name, and the simple exchange feels unexpectedly intimate. She rests against him, realizing that she feels comfortable in his presence even when they are not arguing or trying to resolve a problem. They share another kiss and enjoy a peaceful evening together, marking a genuine reconciliation after the misunderstandings of the previous episodes. As the Chinese New Year approaches, Zhitao's professional life also takes a positive turn. She receives a generous year-end bonus from Lime Advertising, giving her a welcome sense of financial security after the consequences of the printing error. Lumi, who has acted as her mentor, gives her a red envelope and celebrates the progress she has made since joining the company. Zhitao feels grateful for the opportunities she has received and recognizes that her growth has been shaped by Lumi's guidance as well as Luan Nian's demanding approach to work. Although she has sometimes struggled with his strictness, she now understands that his expectations have pushed her to become more capable and confident. Lumi announces that Lime's upcoming company retreat will take place in Phuket. The trip offers employees an opportunity to relax after a demanding period of work, but it also creates new possibilities for Zhitao and Luan Nian to spend time together outside the office. Their relationship has become more stable following their reconciliation, although they must still decide how to handle the tension between their private romance and professional responsibilities. Zhitao travels home to Harbin to celebrate the New Year with her parents. The family enjoys a warm reunion and a festive dinner, giving her a chance to reconnect with the people who have supported her throughout her life. Her mother attempts to arrange a possible match with a neighbor's nephew, but Zhitao explains that she wants to focus on building her career. Although she does not reveal her relationship with Luan Nian, her response shows that she is becoming more confident about making decisions according to her own priorities rather than accepting expectations imposed by others. As fireworks illuminate the sky, Zhitao sends Luan Nian a New Year message wishing him happiness and success. In Beijing, Luan Nian reads the message and smiles, pleased that she has remembered him despite being far away with her family. His reaction reveals how much he values even the smallest expressions of affection from her. Their brief exchange demonstrates that their reconciliation has restored the emotional connection that was threatened by jealousy and misunderstanding. Dr. Liang notices her son's unusual happiness and begins asking questions about his romantic life. Luan Nian finally admits that he is dating a woman who works as an ordinary employee. His father responds by suggesting that he should choose someone steady and easygoing rather than a woman who is too strong-willed. He doubts that Luan Nian's own difficult temperament would allow such a relationship to last. Luan Nian retorts that his father has an equally difficult personality, yet Dr. Liang has remained with him. Their exchange exposes the tension in the family and shows that Luan Nian is no longer willing to accept his father's opinions without challenging them. When the conversation turns toward Lime's potential business with Xingchi Auto, Luan Nian's father criticizes his son's approach and questions his judgment. Luan Nian responds angrily, asking whether his father has ever devoted the same amount of effort to his own family as he does to criticizing his son. Dr. Liang intervenes before the argument escalates further, defending Luan Nian and reminding her husband of his achievements. When she asks for a photograph of her son's girlfriend, Luan Nian humorously sends her a picture of himself instead of revealing Zhitao's identity. His playful response allows him to avoid exposing the secret relationship while leaving his mother curious about the woman who has changed his mood. Later, Luan Nian returns to his room and calls Zhitao. However, she is pulled away by her father to help set off fireworks, so the conversation ends before they can speak at length. Luan Nian sends her a message asking her to return to Beijing soon, revealing that he already misses her despite their recent reconciliation. Their relationship remains private, but their growing attachment is evident in the way they seek each other's company even during family celebrations. As the holiday period ends, the Lime team gathers at the airport to travel to Phuket for the company retreat. Lumi is surprised and annoyed to discover that Luan Nian will be joining the trip. She complains that having the general manager present will make it feel like working overtime rather than enjoying a vacation. Luan Nian overhears her remarks and reminds her that he is entitled to travel with the team. However, he chooses to wait in the main airport area instead of using the first-class lounge, demonstrating that he does not need special treatment to maintain his authority. When Lumi continues complaining, he sarcastically offers to upgrade her seat to business class if she would rather not participate. The episode concludes with the team preparing to leave for Phuket, setting the stage for the next stage of Zhitao and Luan Nian's relationship. Their reconciliation has restored their trust, and Zhitao now understands more about Luan Nian's history with Zang Yao. Luan Nian has also acknowledged his feelings to his family, even though he has not yet revealed Zhitao's identity. As they head toward the company retreat, their relationship faces a new challenge: finding a future together while balancing personal ambitions, workplace boundaries and the expectations of the people around them.