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Love Between Lines

Love Between Lines
★ 8.5/10•2026•43m•15•Drama•Mystery
Similars

Xiao Zhiyu and Hu Xiu are brought together by a Republic of China-themed murder mystery game. In the scripted NPC game filled with falling snow and spies in the shadows, the two ignite a fateful spark. An unexpected reunion in the real world reveals the mystery of each other's identities. The two shuttle between the misaligned time-spaces of reality and the script, and finally achieve two-way growth in the cross-dimensional bond, completing the transformation of love and self.

Shuang Yuan · Director

Li Xinwei · Screenplay

Shi Yu Chen · Writer

Shi Ye · Writer

StatusEnded
Runtime43m
LanguageZH
First Air DateJan 9, 2026

Episodes

Episode 1 - The PrologueE133m

The Prologue

26-year-old Hu Xiu is publicly dumped at her engagement party, the most humiliating experience of her life. To cheer her up, her childhood friend, Zhao Xiaorou, drags her to the popular immersive VR murder mystery game club, Midnight Express. The train pulls into a virtual world set in the Republic of China era.

Jan 9, 2026

Episode 2 - Qin Xiaoyi in Real LifeE243m

Qin Xiaoyi in Real Life

The drive to win spurs Hu Xiu to enter the murder mystery game again, only to find that Qin Xiaoyi is played by someone else. She is full of curiosity about the Qin Xiaoyi that she had met.

Jan 9, 2026

Episode 3 - Becoming PartnersE342m

Becoming Partners

Hu Xiu accidentally triggers a terrifying haunted house scenario. Just as she is about to despair, Qin Xiaoyi leads her out of the scary scene. 

Jan 9, 2026

Episode 4 - The Real TenantE445m

The Real Tenant

Hu Xiu confirms that her tenant is actually Xiao Zhiyu. Feeling like she was tricked again, she decides to get back at him.

Jan 9, 2026

Episode 5 - Joining DynamismE545m

Joining Dynamism

Hu Xiu goes to an interview at Dynamism and discovers that the boss is none other than Xiao Yu, her tenant who plays Qin Xiaoyi in the role-playing game.

Jan 10, 2026

Episode 6 - An Island WeddingE644m

An Island Wedding

Xiao Zhiyu attends the wedding of Mr. Wang's daughter and invites Hu Xiu along. At the wedding, Hu Xiu encounters someone she knows. 

Jan 10, 2026

Episode 7 - Let Go of the PastE745m

Let Go of the Past

Xiao Zhiyu learns that Hu Xiu is Zhang Qiran's ex-girlfriend. He encourages her to face the situation head-on, helping her to let go of the past once and for all. 

Jan 11, 2026

Episode 8 - CompetitorsE842m

Competitors

Pei Zhen gives Hu Xiu a ride home. Out of curiosity, he asks her why she chose Dynamism over Forma. Xiao Zhiyu swiftly arrives to take Hu Xiu away. Pei Zhen realizes that this woman is special to Xiao Zhiyi. 

Jan 11, 2026

Episode 9 - Warmth in LifeE944m

Warmth in Life

Xiao Zhiyu injures his right hand while protecting Hu Xiu. To make it up to him, she brings him meals and drives him around. Xiao Zhiyu has always kept others at a distance, but he welcomes Hu Xiu's presence and the warmth she brings into his life. 

Jan 12, 2026

Episode 10 - Pleasant Co-LivingE1045m

Pleasant Co-Living

Hu Ding suddenly comes by for a visit and learns that Hu Xiu has gone back to working in the field of architecture. He is beyond furious and gets into a fiery argument with Hu Xiu. Xiao Zhiyu can only stand by and watch silently. 

Jan 12, 2026

Episode 11 - The CollapseE1144m

The Collapse

For years, Xiao Zhiyu has been secretly investigating the Xincheng Stadium collapse that occurred 20 years ago. Chen Junhao, the supplier of the steel that was used in the incident, had already passed away long ago. Xiao Zhiyu decides to start looking into the people who were connected to Chen Junhao.

Jan 13, 2026

Episode 12 - The Design CompetitionE1244m

The Design Competition

Pei Zhen deliberately adopts Xiao Zhiyu's design concept, so Xiao Zhiyu cannot use it in the Lyman design competition. Hu Xiu takes Xiao Zhiyu to the rooftop and shows him everyday life in the lanes and alleyways. As the two grow closer, Xiao Zhiyu gains new design ideas too.

Jan 13, 2026

Episode 13 - A Safe Harbor for the SoulE1342m

A Safe Harbor for the Soul

Pei Zhen reveals a shocking secret. Xiao Zhiyu is his brother. At a meal with the Pei family, Xiao Zhiyu feels out of place. When he returns to the lane house, Hu Xiu gives him warmth and care. She sympathizes with his difficult life growing up in someone else's home, bringing solace Xiao Zhiyu.

Jan 14, 2026

Episode 14 - The Bonds of FateE1443m

The Bonds of Fate

The fateful connection between Hu Xiu and Xiao Zhiyu is revealed. Hu Ding's leg was injured in the Xincheng Stadium collapse 20 years ago. And the main liable party was the project's chief architect, Qin Yuze, none other than Xiao Zhiyu's father. 

Jan 14, 2026

Episode 15 - Unconditional TrustE1544m

Unconditional Trust

Xiao Zhiyu announces shocking news. Dynamism and Forma Group have reached a collaboration agreement. Xiao Zhiyu is certain that Hu Xiu wouldn't understand, but she instead expresses her trust in him. In that moment, Xiao Zhiyu falls completely in love with Hu Xiu.

Jan 15, 2026

Episode 16 - Moving OutE1643m

Moving Out

Xiao Zhiyu believes that he can't give Hu Xiu stability in life, nor can he reveal his true identity. Hu Xiu takes the initiative to express her feelings, but Xiao Zhiyu dodges her kiss and terminates his lease.

Jan 15, 2026

Episode 17 - The Doubts WithinE1743m

The Doubts Within

Xiao Zhiyu is waiting for Hu Xiu at the entrance of Forma Group. Faced with two men offering to give her a ride home, she chooses to leave with Xiao Zhiyu. In the car, she asks him why he cares about her interactions with Pei Zhen, leaving him speechless.

Jan 16, 2026

Episode 18 - The Life You WantE1845m

The Life You Want

Pei Zhen learns that the company has been having financial problems for a long time, but he had been kept in the dark. Hu Xiu happens to pass by and encourages him to choose the life that he wants. Pei Zhen is touched by Hu Xiu's actions and words.

Jan 17, 2026

Episode 19 - A Formal ConfessionE1944m

A Formal Confession

Hu Xiu has an emotional outburst and declares that she no longer likes Xiao Zhiyu, who can't face his true feelings. As she is leaving Rongcheng, Xiao Zhiyu pulls her into a hidden corner and reveals how he feels with a passionate kiss.

Jan 17, 2026

Episode 20 - The First DateE2042m

The First Date

Xiao Zhiyu goes back to the lane house to see Hu Xiu. Gong Huaicong and Zhao Xiaorou suddenly drop in, interrupting their sweet moment. Although annoyed at being kept in the dark, they are both happy for their friends for having found true love.

Jan 18, 2026

Episode 21 - A Key InsiderE2144m

A Key Insider

Xiao Zhiyu digs up the name of the supplier whose contract Pei Kang Hua terminated. Xiao Zhiyu confirms that Huang Yide was the key insider back in the day. Being careful not to set off any alarms, Xiao Zhiyu makes plans to cut off his funding.

Jan 19, 2026

Episode 22 - The Winning EdgeE2243m

The Winning Edge

Hu Xiu comes across a photo of Xiao Zhiyu with his father, but she doesn't push to find out more. Xiao Zhiyu promises to tell Hu Xiu all about his father later.

Jan 19, 2026

Episode 23 - A Childhood FriendE2344m

A Childhood Friend

Hu Xiu is curious about the relationship between Xiao Zhiyu and Luna. She secretly goes to the hotel where they are having dinner. Xiao Zhiyu meets with Luna and congratulates her on her engagement.

Jan 20, 2026

Episode 24 - Breaking UpE2443m

Breaking Up

Hu Xiu tells Xiao Zhiyu that Hu Ding is a survivor of the Xincheng Stadium incident. Hu Xiu believes that she shouldn't let her relationship hurt her father, so she breaks up with Xiao Zhiyu.

Jan 20, 2026

Episode 25 - Revealing the TruthE2543m

Revealing the Truth

Hu Xiu is appalled by all the things that Xiao Zhi Yu has kept from her. Seeing Hu Xiu shut down her feelings for him, Xiao Zhi Yu tells her the truth about everything.

Jan 20, 2026

Episode 26 - KidnappingE2643m

Kidnapping

Xiao Zhi Yu suddenly receives a call from Mr. Xu. Loan sharks are threatening Huang Yi De's family. At the same time, Pei Kang Hua kidnaps Hu Xiu.

Jan 20, 2026

Episode 27 - A New ChapterE2742m

A New Chapter

The truth finally comes to light. Hu Xiu is recovering in the hospital. Xiao Zhi Yu comes to her side, with nothing to hide.

Jan 20, 2026

Episode 28 - Love StoryE2843m

Love Story

Hu Xiu returns to Xiao Zhi Yu's home. She is deeply touched when she discovers that he had created a dedicated workspace for her.

Jan 20, 2026

Actors

Chen Xingxu

Chen Xingxu

Xiao Zhiyu

Lu Yuxiao

Lu Yuxiao

Hu Xiu

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