I Was Just Your Practice Girlfriend

In short: 17 episodes, in English, original audio — episodes 1–10 play right here.

Shen Zhiyi, the eldest daughter of the Shen family, chose Gu Zichen as her personal bodyguard at first sight and actively pursued a romantic relationship with him. For three years, Gu Zichen treated her with tenderness and patience, indulging her occasional whims, making her believe—after a lifetime of familial neglect—that she had finally found true love. She meticulously planned her birthday celebration, even purchasing a diamond ring, ready to propose to him, dreaming of their future together. But on the eve of her birthday, Shen Zhiyi accidentally overheard Gu Zichen’s conversation with his friend Lin An, revealing a devastating truth: Gu Zichen was no ordinary bodyguard but the heir of the powerful Gu family. He had only approached her because her preferences and personality resembled Shen Yue’s—he was using her as practice to become a better lover for Shen Yue. Worse, he coldly declared he would never marry her. The final blow came when she learned Gu Zichen’s presence in the Shen household was orchestrated by Shen Yue herself, to ensure she wouldn’t bully Shen Yue’s mother. Shattered by the revelations, Shen Zhiyi collapsed on the streets, where she encountered Huo Jiuxiao. In that moment of despair, she resolved to honor her long-ignored engagement to him. After their marriage, Shen Yue’s provocations escalated—she set traps, slandered Shen Zhiyi, and even manipulated their father into striking her.

Through it all, Gu Zichen stood by Shen Yue’s side, breaking Shen Zhiyi’s heart repeatedly. Yet Huo Jiuxiao’s unwavering devotion slowly healed her wounds. He respected her passions, shielded her from his stepmother Chen Xue’s schemes, and risked his life to protect her. Meanwhile, Gu Zichen, upon discovering Shen Zhiyi was the one who’d saved him years ago—and after witnessing Shen Yue’s true nature—was consumed by regret. But his attempts to win her back came too late. In the end, Shen Zhiyi emerged from the shadows of her past. Alongside Huo Jiuxiao, she faced the Huo family’s internal strife and the Shen family’s machinations, surviving kidnappings and betrayals. Their bond, tempered by adversity, grew unshakable. By the sea, under a spring sky, they vowed eternal companionship—and Shen Zhiyi, at last, embraced the happiness that was always meant to be hers. "

Study tip: the first 10 episodes set up every conflict that the remaining 7 episodes pay off — watch them back to back before you decide whether to continue.