Flora agrees to give their relationship another chance, but she refuses to abandon the career-defining project she accepted in northwestern China. Luke’s response reveals whether their reconciliation can work.
Warning: spoilers for episode 19 of The Early Spring ahead.
Luke gets down on one knee, admits how much he has missed her, and asks for another chance. In episode 19 of The Early Spring, Flora also wants to start over. But getting back together does not mean packing her bags for Beijing: she intends to remain on the project she secured in northwestern China.
Their reunion brings tears, a hug, and the conversation they had been avoiding since the breakup. But when Flora says she will stay in her job, Luke must show whether he truly understands the fresh start he is asking for.
Shang Zhitao and Luan Nian, played by Sun Qian and Jing Boran, reach this moment with years of unresolved tension behind them. Flora already knows which mistake she refuses to repeat.
Flora chooses the project no one wanted
Before the reconciliation, Flora makes a difficult decision: she requests a transfer to a cultural tourism project in northwestern China. It means 14 months of work away from the comfort of her Beijing office.
To move up at the agency, she needs to lead a major project. Getting that opportunity in Beijing would be difficult. That is why she accepts the assignment her colleagues would rather avoid, even knowing the workload will be demanding.
Episode 18 set up this turning point by separating Flora and Luke and forcing both to confront what their relationship had become.
Luke tries to discourage Flora, but she stands by her decision. Three months later, Flora presents strong work to executives and local representatives, and Luke praises her in front of the room.
When she meets Luke again, Flora has every reason to be proud of the path she chose.
Luke gets on one knee and admits how much the separation hurt
After the presentation, Luke experiences severe pain, and Flora accompanies him to the hospital. He is diagnosed with kidney stones and ends up staying at her home while he recovers.
Living together brings chicken soup, care, and Luke’s complaints about the mattress, pillow, and duvet. Flora even jokes about her guest’s demands. Little by little, the atmosphere between them becomes less tense.
Luke gets down on one knee before Flora and acknowledges the emptiness he has felt since their breakup. He admits how much he has missed her, talks about a future together, and asks them to try again. Their dog, who also missed Flora, becomes part of the confession.
Flora is moved and hugs him. They had both missed each other.
It is easy to get swept up in the hug. Still, his declaration has to survive their first disagreement.
Flora accepts the relationship but refuses to return to Beijing
After they reconcile, Luke asks Flora to return to Beijing with him. Her response puts into words the conflict that has run through their relationship: is he speaking as her boyfriend or her boss?
As her boyfriend, he needs to respect her decision to remain on the project. Flora likes the work, has made a commitment to the team, and wants to finish what she started.
As her boss, he has the authority to order her back. She would comply, but she would be leaving behind a crucial career opportunity.
Flora wants to be with Luke. She also wants to remain in control of her own choices.
This conversation gives the episode its strength. Luke is still Flora’s boss, and the power imbalance has not disappeared. This time, however, she makes clear where the line lies between a work decision and a request from her boyfriend.
Luke accepts her refusal. Instead of insisting that she return to Beijing, he suggests taking a trip during his leave. For anyone waiting to see a change in his attitude, his response is worth noting.
The trip turns their reunion into an official relationship
With the dog in the back seat, the couple travels through northwestern China to Lhasa. The journey brings teasing, affection, and small moments of daily life that make the romance feel lighter.
They also begin treating the relationship as something they can share openly. Luke calls Flora his girlfriend while speaking with his mother. Later, he introduces himself to her parents over the phone and takes his honesty a little too far when discussing their relationship and his financial situation.
Flora is so embarrassed that she cuts the conversation short. Luke, meanwhile, seems determined to reveal everything at once. The scene is funny precisely because of the contrast between his formality and her shock.
He also suggests a trip to see the Northern Lights the following year. After so much uncertainty, they can finally talk about the future with joy.
What the photos in Lhasa mean to Flora and Luke
In Lhasa, Flora and Luke take part in a photo shoot wearing traditional Tibetan clothing. Their playful moments give way to hugs, foreheads touching, and kisses in front of the camera.
After looking through the images, they decide to buy the package. The photographer suggests keeping enlargements as wedding photos, and Luke enthusiastically agrees.
The photos mark Flora and Luke’s new beginning. After so much distance, they are able to show affection, involve their families in the relationship, and make plans for the following year.
Keeping these images makes sense at this point: they become a reminder of the trip and the new chapter the couple wants to experience together.
When will episode 19 arrive on Netflix?
Episode 19 is scheduled to arrive on Netflix on September 8, 2026. Availability may vary by region, so check The Early Spring on Netflix. This recap discusses events shown in the YOUKU release.
The series is enjoying a strong moment: it debuted at No. 2 on Netflix’s global ranking for non-English series, with 2.4 million views during the week of August 24 to 30. The platform released the result on September 2. Read Netflix’s official announcement.
What about you? Which scene best shows Luke’s change: his declaration or the moment he respects Flora’s decision?