Encounter with You Drama Ending Explained

Encounter with You finale leaves viewers torn with bittersweet closure (Photo: iQIYI)

The 2025 Chinese drama Encounter with You has finally wrapped up its 38-episode run on iQIYI, leaving fans with a finale that’s both emotional and bittersweet. 

Starring Tong Yao and Yu Yi, this urban romance follows Wan Xinxin and Hua Ming through the messy ups and downs of love, second marriages, and family struggles. 

With its heartfelt storytelling and an ending that still has viewers debating, here’s our short review, recap, and ending explained.

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Quick Recap of Encounter with You Final Episode

The last episode goes heavy on the emotional push and pull. Hua Ming decides to step back, giving Qin Gang his own house so that Wan Xinxin and the baby have somewhere safe and stable. 

He quietly supports them in the background — even teaching Qin Gang how to cook, handle childcare, and take care of Wan Xinxin when her fever spikes.

Qin Gang eventually confesses the truth: Hua Ming has been the real pillar behind everything, even when unseen. 

But by the time Wan Xinxin realises, Hua Ming has already disappeared, leaving only the banyan tree — their symbolic meeting place — as a possible link back to him. 

Months later, fate nudges them closer again, setting up a hopeful yet open-ended closure.

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Cast & Characters

Wan Xinxin (Tong Yao) – She grows from a dependent young mum into a woman who faces heartbreak, illness, custody fights, and tough choices. By the finale, she admits she needs more time before fully loving again, but she finally recognises who truly cared for her. 

Hua Ming (Yu Yi) – The quiet, steady anchor. He sacrifices his comfort, teaches Qin Gang how to be a better father, and steps away so Wan Xinxin can find clarity. His love is patient, selfless, and defined by absence rather than possession. 

Qin Gang (Chi Shuai) – He goes from arrogant heir to humbled dad. Though his attempt to win back Wan Xinxin fails, he grows through Hua Ming’s guidance and puts his child first. 

Liu Wei (Wan Tong) – Her return caused most of the middle-arc mess, but her eventual arrest signals a symbolic “closing of past chaos. 

Supporting families – Qin’s mother remains a meddling force, Xu Chunli a voice of caution, while Hua Ming’s ex-wife’s reappearance underlines the “double second-marriage” theme.

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Encounter with You Ending Explained

The final note isn’t flashy, but rather bittersweet. 

Hua Ming’s quiet love defines the ending — he chooses to disappear instead of forcing Wan Xinxin into a decision. 

The banyan tree scene hints at destiny: even if circumstances tear them apart, fate will circle them back.

The message? 

Love doesn’t always scream in grand gestures; sometimes it whispers in sacrifice, patience, and small acts of care. 

The ending balances Wan Xinxin’s independence with the idea that second chances at love require time, healing, and courage.

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TLDR + Encounter with You Short Review

• Plot: A messy but heartfelt urban romance with “double remarriage” complications.

• Finale: Hua Ming sacrifices everything, quietly guiding Qin Gang, before walking away. Wan Xinxin realises too late — but fate leaves the door cracked open.

• Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – Touching, well-acted, but dragged at points.

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FAQs

Q: Is the ending happy or sad?
A mix of both. Sad, because Hua Ming leaves before Wan Xinxin can fully respond to his love. Hopeful, because the banyan tree reunion hints at destiny still tying them together.

Q: Does Wan Xinxin end up with Hua Ming or Qin Gang?
Neither officially. Qin Gang bows out gracefully, and Wan Xinxin’s final rush to the banyan tree suggests her heart leans towards Hua Ming.

Q: Is there a Season 2?
No news yet. The story is wrapped fairly completely, though the open-ended banyan tree scene could serve as a launchpad for a spin-off or sequel.

Q: What’s the core theme of the drama?
It’s about second chances in love, the reality of “patchwork” families, and how quiet selflessness can outweigh flashy romance.

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Encounter with You lands a heartfelt finale that feels both frustrating and hopeful. The characters finally show growth, but the drama leaves just enough dangling threads to make you replay the banyan tree scene in your head.