The White Olive Tree

Reporter Song Ran arrives in the East Country to document frontline reconstruction. A sudden explosion traps her. She is rescued by Li Zan, a calm, disciplined explosive engineer whose bravery leaves a deep impression.

Still shaken, Song Ran interviews Li Zan and his team. Their shared mission - seeking truth and protecting life - creates an instant connection. She senses the loneliness behind his stoic composure.

Song Ran follows the squad to a refugee zone for coverage. Li Zan worries about her safety but respects her professionalism. The two grow closer through small exchanges in dangerous terrain.

Evenings in the base camp bring soft conversations. Song Ran learns Li Zan lost comrades before. Their mutual honesty forms a fragile yet warm bond amid chaos.

Song Ran insists on joining a clearance mission. Li Zan reluctantly agrees but stays near her the entire time. She realizes his protectiveness is not just professional.

A hidden device malfunctions. Li Zan shields Song Ran, risking himself. Fear exposes the depth of her feelings as she confronts the possibility of losing him.

Recovering from the incident, they share rare moments of peace. Song Ran captures a heartfelt photo of Li Zan helping a child - unaware how significant it will become later.

The team prepares for a high-risk operation. Song Ran senses Li Zan's tension and encourages him. Their closeness grows into something real, though unspoken.

A sudden bombing devastates the area. Song Ran survives but is traumatized. Li Zan loses a teammate he vowed to protect. Their developing romance is shattered by grief and chaos.

Song Ran's photo from the attack goes viral - but some accuse her of exploiting tragedy. Overwhelmed, she barely manages to say goodbye before being evacuated back to China.

Li Zan stays in the East Country to finish the mission, burdened by guilt. Song Ran returns home injured physically and emotionally, longing for the connection they abruptly lost.

Communication breaks. Song Ran believes Li Zan is avoiding her; Li Zan feels unworthy of seeing her again. Both drown in separate emptiness.

Song Ran undergoes recovery therapy and attempts to resume reporting. Her trauma from the bombing resurfaces, making her question her career path.

Back in China, Li Zan joins a new training unit. Nightmares of the explosion and his teammate's death haunt him. He hides his pain behind strict discipline.

Controversy escalates over Song Ran's photo. Online backlash intensifies. Song Ran's agency pressures her to apologize publicly, worsening her emotional toll.

Song Ran attends a memorial event where Li Zan should have appeared, but he withdraws last minute. Their inability to reconnect deepens their mutual regret.

Li Zan sees Song Ran's interview discussing survivor's guilt. Her honesty pierces his emotional walls, but he still fears he will only bring her pain.

By coincidence, they meet at a charity exhibition. Shocked and speechless, both struggle through awkward emotions and unresolved longing.

They catch up briefly, carefully avoiding deeper feelings. Despite distance, just seeing each other brings warmth both had missed for months.

Song Ran requests Li Zan's help for a safety documentary. Working together again revives their old rhythm. Li Zan quietly starts protecting her like before.

During filming, Li Zan suffers a panic flashback. Song Ran comforts him gently. She realizes his wounds run deeper than she imagined.

Song Ran persuades Li Zan to seek professional counseling. He finally admits he cannot move on because he believes he failed his teammate.

Through therapy and Song Ran's steady support, Li Zan confronts his trauma. Their emotional distance begins to close again, cautiously but sincerely.

Online critics reignite attacks on Song Ran's bombing photo. Li Zan publicly defends her, revealing the truth behind the mission and her bravery.