A Girl Like Me Episode 18 Recap
> A Girl Like Me Recap
At the poetry party, a stunned Shi Feixian confronted Rong Xia, demanding to know when he and Ban Hua became engaged. Ban Hua interjected, pointing out that Shi Feixian was questioning her fiancé, but Rong Xia calmly confirmed he had proposed just a few days prior. Humiliated, Shi Feixian tried to leave with tears in her eyes, but Ban Hua stopped her, concerned that her tearful departure would make it seem as though Ban Hua had bullied her.
Shi Feixian retorted that Ban Hua was overestimating herself, listing her own accomplishments in the fine arts and her prestigious family background, questioning what an "ignorant woman" like Ban Hua could possibly have to bully her with. Alone later, Shi Feixian lamented losing Rong Xia to Ban Hua and vowed she would win him back, certain she would never lose to her in beauty.
Meanwhile, with her wedding delayed by three months, an idle Xie Wanyu decided to cook steamed chicken with scallion oil for her brother, Xie Chongjin. Though her maid was worried about being punished, Xie Wanyu promised to cover any docked wages. Xie Chongjin allowed his sister to cook but then insisted she present her specialty to the visiting Prince Luo. However, the arrogant prince refused to even taste it, declaring he only ate food prepared by the royal cook.
Enraged, Xie Wanyu muttered that she would rather feed the dish to a dog. Just then, Ban Heng appeared, snatched the chicken, and devoured it, proclaiming it the best he had ever tasted. Xie Wanyu was secretly delighted to find someone who genuinely appreciated her cooking. Later at court, the Emperor discussed upcoming marriages now that the mourning period had ended. He praised Ban Hua’s beauty, and Rong Xia expressed his commitment to being worthy of her.
Ban Hua then boldly stated her marital terms: Rong Xia could only have her as his wife, or she would divorce him, taking all her dowry and half his assets. While other officials were shocked by this breach of tradition, Rong Xia readily agreed, affirming his lifelong devotion and vowing never to take a concubine.
The Emperor, fond of Ban Hua, approved their arrangement and also announced that a new auspicious date had been chosen for Xie Wanyu’s marriage to Prince Luo. Leaving the palace, Ban Hua playfully placed a silk flower she bought from a street vendor on Rong Xia’s head. Their lighthearted moment was interrupted when Ban Hua spotted a suspicious figure she recognized as Prince Luo and decided to follow him.
She discovered him secretly meeting Shi Feixian, holding her hand and confessing his love for her. Shi Feixian, in turn, asked him to help her "destroy" Ban Hua. Ban Hua dramatically revealed herself, chastising the prince for his behavior. She then forced him to apologize to Shi Feixian before warning Shi Feixian that secrets have a way of getting out and that she should stay away from the temperamental prince.
That night, Ban Hua dreamt of Prince Luo in a prison cell, waking with a smile. Inspired by tales of Rong Xia’s parents being a "fairy couple" skilled in the arts, Ban Hua resolved to learn them to be a better match for him. She first attempted the zither but only managed to break a string and tangle her hair.
Next, she tried Go, but even with Rong Xia giving her a twenty-stone handicap, she repeatedly lost and accused him of cheating. Her attempt at painting was no better, as her goldfish and turtle resembled steamed buns. When Rong Xia tried to encourage her by mentioning Shi Feixian had practiced for a decade, Ban Hua furiously misinterpreted it as a comparison. Later, she resumed her zither practice, but her playing was so awful it made her father, Ban Huai, vomit.
Realizing how bad she was, she directed her anger at Rong Xia for his false encouragement. Witnessing the fallout, Ban Heng offered to teach Rong Xia how to placate women, suggesting a trip to a brothel to "accumulate experience." Upon learning Ban Heng had taken Rong Xia to a brothel, Ban Hua stormed in. To her surprise, the courtesans were her fans, praising her for rescuing a woman named Yun-niang and eagerly offering to help find Rong Xia.
They led her to Ban Heng, who insisted Rong Xia was not there. In truth, Rong Xia was at an archery range, realizing his own lack of natural skill and understanding that his dishonesty about Ban Hua's playing was a disservice. When Ban Hua arrived, her anger gone, Rong Xia sincerely apologized for misleading her. He then humbly asked her to teach him archery, and she happily agreed. Elsewhere, Ban Heng and Xie Wanyu shared a meal at an inn.
That night, Xie Wanyu sat alone, gazing pensively at her wedding dress. The next day, Xie Wanyu confessed to her brother that she no longer wanted to marry Prince Luo, sensing he didn't truly love her. Xie Chongjin falsely reassured her of the Prince's affection and promised to secure her position, but advised her to stay away from Shi Feixian.
Later, Ban Hua explained to Rong Xia that she only tried to learn the arts to be a "fairy couple" like his parents. Rong Xia gently told her she didn't need to change, as he loved her for who she was—her passion for riding, archery, beautiful clothes, and desserts. Reassured by his devotion, Ban Hua gave him a kiss on the cheek before happily running off.
