The Early Spring Episode 13 — Hindi Dubbed

The Early Spring Episode 13 takes Shang Zhitao and Luan Nian's complicated relationship into a decisive new phase during Lime Advertising's company retreat in Phuket. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, colleagues and opportunities to spend time together away from the office, the couple initially enjoys a period of romantic closeness. However, their happiness is threatened when Alex announces his departure from Lime and offers Zhitao an attractive position at a competing startup. The proposal forces Zhitao to consider her professional future, while Luan Nian's jealousy and harsh words turn a promising opportunity into a painful confrontation that threatens their relationship. The episode begins on the tropical island where Lime's employees have gathered for their company retreat. Zhitao appears in a beautiful off-the-shoulder dress that immediately attracts attention from other guests. Lumi notices several handsome foreign men looking at her and playfully suggests that one of them might approach her. When Luan Nian joins them, Lumi proudly praises the talent and beauty of Lime's female employees and asks him to buy them fresh coconut drinks. Luan Nian initially refuses to spend the money, prompting Lumi to take Zhitao to purchase the drinks themselves. Before they can pay, a handsome foreigner approaches Zhitao and offers to buy her coconut juice as a friendly gesture. Lumi immediately uses the opportunity to tease Luan Nian about another man paying attention to his girlfriend. Luan Nian attempts to appear indifferent, but his reaction reveals that he is uncomfortable seeing other men approach Zhitao. He refuses to drink the beverage offered by the stranger, making his jealousy obvious despite his efforts to conceal it. Lumi subsequently drags Luan Nian into a souvenir shop, joking that a woman dressed as beautifully as Zhitao should not have to carry her own wallet. As they browse the merchandise, Luan Nian notices a delicate flower tucked into Zhitao's hair. The sight softens his expression, and he willingly pays for the purchases. His reaction demonstrates the contradiction in his personality: although he frequently complains about spending money, he is happy to indulge Zhitao when he sees her looking beautiful and enjoying herself. Back at the hotel, Luan Nian pulls Zhitao into his room and closes the door to avoid attracting attention from their colleagues. He immediately tells her not to wear such revealing clothes again. Zhitao questions whether he behaves this possessively toward everyone, but he admits that his jealousy is reserved specifically for her. He cannot stand the thought of other men looking at her with romantic interest. Zhitao is pleased by his confession and asks whether he thinks she looks beautiful. Luan Nian answers with unmistakable affection, telling her that she looks extraordinarily attractive before pulling her close for a passionate embrace and kiss. Their private moment is interrupted by a telephone call from Alex, who asks to meet Zhitao in the hotel lobby. Luan Nian complains about discussing work during a company vacation, but Zhitao insists that she must attend because Alex is an important superior whose opinion could influence her upcoming promotion to Account Manager. She is determined to advance through her own achievements rather than depend on her secret relationship with Luan Nian. When Luan Nian reminds her that his recommendation also matters, she confidently tells him that she can succeed on her own merits. Her response makes it clear that professional independence remains central to her ambitions, even when she is romantically involved with the person who holds significant influence over her career. Shortly after Zhitao leaves, Liang Xin contacts Luan Nian with surprising news: Alex has decided to resign from Lime and join Chuangyu, a rapidly growing startup. Luan Nian is furious that the company learned about the departure so late. He immediately worries about the disruption Alex's resignation could cause, particularly because Alex may attempt to recruit experienced employees to his new organization. Zhitao comes to mind as a potential target because of her strong performance and professional growth. Liang Xin suggests that retaining talented employees will ultimately depend on Luan Nian's ability to lead and inspire them. In the hotel lobby, Alex meets Zhitao and praises her progress during her time at Lime. He recognizes her ability to learn quickly, handle difficult assignments and recover from setbacks. According to Alex, she has demonstrated the skills necessary for promotion, but her advancement has been delayed by circumstances within the company. He then makes an enticing proposal: Zhitao can join him at Chuangyu as an Account Manager, receive a salary twice her current pay and lead her own team. The offer represents a major professional opportunity for someone who has worked hard to establish herself in Beijing while managing a demanding workload and limited financial resources. Zhitao is surprised by the proposal. She appreciates Alex's confidence in her abilities but understands that changing companies could carry significant risks. She asks for time to consider the offer rather than accepting immediately. Alex advises her to keep their conversation confidential, explaining that he has not yet publicly announced his departure and does not want the recruitment discussion to create unnecessary complications. That evening, Luan Nian announces special bonuses for the employees attending the retreat. Although he participates in the celebration, he keeps a close eye on Zhitao and wonders what Alex discussed with her in private. When he asks her about the meeting, Zhitao conceals the job offer and claims that Alex only discussed ordinary work matters. Her decision to hide the opportunity creates the first major breach of trust between them in the episode. Zhitao is still deciding what to do and fears that revealing the offer could provoke an emotional reaction before she has had time to evaluate her options. The following morning, Zhitao and Luan Nian meet to watch the sunrise as they had promised. The quiet setting offers an opportunity for the couple to reconnect away from the pressures of the office. Luan Nian asks whether she has anything she wants to tell him, giving her another opportunity to disclose the conversation with Alex. Instead, Zhitao expresses gratitude for everything she has learned at Lime and for the guidance Luan Nian has given her. She tells him that she hopes they will be able to watch many more sunrises and sunsets together in the future. Her words reveal genuine affection and a desire to preserve their relationship. However, she still does not tell him about the job offer, leaving Luan Nian unaware that she is considering a move that could change both their professional and personal lives. Although he appreciates her romantic sentiment, his suspicions remain unresolved. Their peaceful sunrise becomes a poignant contrast to the conflict that is about to emerge. After the retreat, Lime formally announces Alex's resignation. Luan Nian temporarily takes responsibility for Business Division Two, adding to his already substantial management duties. At a farewell gathering, colleagues discuss Alex's decision to leave and speculate about which employees might follow him to Chuangyu. Lumi reveals that Alex plans to recruit Du Anni and Li Tianran as well. She criticizes their decision to abandon an established company for a less proven organization, although she recognizes that a startup can offer faster advancement and greater responsibility to people who are prepared to accept the risks. Lumi also discusses Zhitao's situation with her. She warns that moving to a new company solely for a higher salary can be risky because success depends on management, available resources, team stability and future business prospects. Lime already offers Zhitao a familiar environment and the opportunity to build on the experience she has gained from the Yueteng Auto account. At the same time, Lumi recognizes that Zhitao has worked hard and deserves the freedom to choose her own path. She encourages her to consider the full implications of the offer rather than making a decision based only on immediate financial benefits. As the farewell gathering winds down, Alex approaches Zhitao for another private conversation. He wants to know whether she has considered his proposal and whether she is willing to join him. Their discussion is observed by Luan Nian from his car. Seeing Zhitao speaking privately with Alex intensifies his jealousy, particularly because she has concealed their earlier conversation from him. Rather than asking her calmly what is happening, he assumes that Alex is attempting to recruit her and that she is preparing to leave Lime without telling him. Luan Nian sends Zhitao a cutting message suggesting that Alex only wants to hire her because she is inexpensive and obedient. His words are intended to undermine the offer and discourage her from leaving, but they strike directly at her professional self-esteem. Zhitao has spent years working to prove that she is capable of more than routine account work. Hearing the man whose opinion matters so much to her dismiss her potential as cheap and convenient leaves her deeply hurt and angry. When Luan Nian later confronts Zhitao, he offers to ask human resources to terminate her employment so that she can collect severance. His suggestion is cruelly sarcastic, implying that she is already halfway out the door and that her decision has little value beyond money. He criticizes her for being short-sighted and allowing an attractive salary to distract her from the long-term opportunities Lime can offer. Instead of recognizing that Zhitao may have legitimate reasons to pursue a better position, he treats her interest in leaving as a personal betrayal. Zhitao finally loses her patience. She explains that money is an important part of her future because she is living on a limited income in Beijing, sharing a rented apartment and spending hours commuting to work. She cannot afford to evaluate every career decision according to the priorities of someone who enjoys a comfortable lifestyle and has greater financial security. Luan Nian's privileged position makes it easy for him to dismiss a higher salary as an insignificant benefit, but for Zhitao, financial independence represents freedom, security and the ability to build a better life. She also explains that the appeal of Chuangyu is not limited to money. Alex has recognized her work, discussed her potential seriously and offered her the opportunity to lead a team. His proposal makes her feel that her abilities are respected and that her career can progress according to her own ambitions. In contrast, Luan Nian's harsh words make her feel small and incapable. Zhitao declares that she intends to join Chuangyu, emphasizing that her decision is about professional dignity as much as financial improvement. The argument becomes a turning point in their relationship. Zhitao feels that Luan Nian has failed to understand her circumstances or respect her right to make independent decisions. Luan Nian, meanwhile, is unable to separate his fear of losing her romantically from his concerns about losing a talented employee. His attempt to protect her career turns into an attack on her judgment, damaging the trust they have struggled to build. After the confrontation, Zhitao blocks Luan Nian's telephone number and WeChat account. She does not want to hear more criticism or allow him to interfere with her decision. The sudden loss of contact leaves Luan Nian shocked and frustrated. For the first time, his usual authority and sharp words have failed to bring the situation under control. Zhitao has made it clear that she will not continue accepting hurtful treatment simply because she has feelings for him. Meanwhile, Zhitao wanders the streets alone, overwhelmed by the argument and uncertain about the future. She encounters a stray dog and finds comfort in its company. The brief encounter gives her a moment of warmth during a difficult evening, when she feels isolated from both the man she loves and the workplace that has shaped much of her adult life. The dog's quiet companionship contrasts with the emotional turmoil surrounding her and symbolizes her need for comfort without judgment. Luan Nian returns to his unfinished apartment and drinks alone. Tan Mian eventually finds him and asks what happened. Luan Nian explains that Zhitao is considering leaving Lime to join Alex at Chuangyu. Tan Mian challenges his interpretation of the situation, arguing that Zhitao has the right to choose her own career and that a higher salary and leadership responsibilities are legitimate reasons to consider changing jobs. He points out that her decision should not be treated as a personal attack merely because Luan Nian is afraid of losing her. Tan Mian also warns Luan Nian that his behavior has confused professional authority with romantic possessiveness. As Zhitao's superior and boyfriend, he occupies a position of power that makes it especially important for him to respect her independence. Instead of offering encouragement or discussing the opportunity rationally, he has attempted to make her feel foolish for considering it. Tan Mian observes that Luan Nian sounds remarkably similar to his own father, whose harsh criticism has long been a source of pain in his life. The comparison unsettles Luan Nian. He has spent years resenting his father's condescending attitude and the way it damaged his confidence when his own business venture failed. His father responded to the failure by accusing him of being naive and wasting family money, leaving Luan Nian with a deep fear of being judged as incompetent. Tan Mian's words force him to recognize that he has repeated the same pattern with Zhitao, using contempt and criticism against someone whose ambitions he claims to support. Luan Nian remembers the painful period following the collapse of his startup, when his father questioned his judgment and treated his failure as proof that he was incapable of succeeding independently. The memory reveals why he reacts so strongly to career risks and financial decisions. He believes that avoiding short-term temptations and maintaining long-term stability are essential to success, but he has allowed those beliefs to become a weapon against Zhitao. Instead of explaining his concerns respectfully, he has repeated the very words that once wounded him. Realizing what he has done, Luan Nian attempts to contact Zhitao and apologize. However, she has blocked his number and messaging account, preventing him from reaching her directly. His inability to communicate with her leaves him alone with the consequences of his actions. He begins to understand that his fear of losing her has made him behave in ways that could drive her away permanently. The following day, Luan Nian chairs a meeting for Business Division Two. Zhitao is present and remains focused on her responsibilities despite the unresolved conflict between them. Luan Nian assigns her a global new media market research project and initially demands that she complete it within two weeks instead of the month she believes is necessary. The assignment is especially challenging because the division is already experiencing staff shortages following Alex's resignation and the departure of other employees. For the first time, Zhitao openly challenges Luan Nian during a formal meeting. She explains that the proposed deadline is unrealistic given the available staff and the amount of research required. Her refusal surprises the other employees, who are accustomed to Luan Nian's demanding management style and rarely see anyone question his decisions directly. Zhitao stands her ground because she understands the scope of the work and refuses to promise a result that the team cannot reasonably deliver. Rather than reacting with anger, Luan Nian listens to her explanation and agrees to provide additional personnel from other teams. He maintains the two-week deadline but acknowledges the need for sufficient resources to make it achievable. He also publicly recognizes Zhitao's careful planning and recent contributions, demonstrating that he is beginning to correct his earlier tendency to criticize her without considering her circumstances. His response is an important professional development, even though it does not immediately repair their personal relationship. After the meeting, Lumi approaches Zhitao and comments on her new confidence. She wonders whether Zhitao has decided to leave Lime and whether her willingness to challenge Luan Nian reflects a final break with the company. Zhitao admits that she has not completely resolved her decision. She explains that she simply stated the truth about the workload rather than accepting an impossible deadline out of fear. Lumi respects her honesty and reminds her that her abilities are valuable regardless of which company she eventually chooses. Zhitao reflects on her time at Lime, remembering the difficult assignments, long working hours and professional lessons that have helped her develop. She recognizes that the company has contributed significantly to her growth, but she also understands that gratitude should not prevent her from making decisions about her own future. Her dilemma is no longer simply whether to accept a better salary; it is about finding a workplace where she can continue learning, take responsibility and be treated with respect. During a quieter moment, Zhitao writes postcards for her friends and colleagues. Luan Nian approaches her and asks where his postcard is, reminding her that he paid for the souvenirs during the Phuket trip. Zhitao smiles and writes him a heartfelt wish for happiness. He admires her neat handwriting and decides to keep the postcard rather than send it through the mail. He then takes another postcard for himself, using humor to prolong their interaction. Although the gesture suggests that their affection has not disappeared, the unresolved tension between them remains beneath the surface. The episode takes another worrying turn when Sun Yu calls Zhitao in an agitated state and tells her that something serious has happened. The sudden urgency interrupts Zhitao's reflections and introduces a new source of concern beyond her career decision and relationship with Luan Nian. The precise details of the emergency lead into the next stage of the story, leaving Zhitao facing an uncertain future both personally and professionally. The Early Spring Episode 13 ends with Zhitao asserting her independence while Luan Nian begins confronting the emotional damage caused by his own behavior. Alex's offer forces Zhitao to consider whether Lime can provide the advancement and respect she deserves, while Luan Nian's jealousy prevents him from supporting her decision objectively. Their argument exposes the unequal balance between a powerful manager and an employee who is still trying to establish herself. Tan Mian's warning and Luan Nian's painful memories of his father reveal the deeper reason behind his harsh reaction: he has repeated the same condescending behavior that once hurt him. As Zhitao weighs her professional future and an unexpected emergency develops, their relationship remains unresolved, setting the stage for further conflict and personal growth.