A Robot in the Orange Orchard Episode 22 Recap
> A Robot in the Orange Orchard Recaps
Fu Yang felt deeply troubled and went out drinking alone. Kang Li'er found him and urged him not to be so disheartened, noting that his current demeanor didn't suit him. She questioned his decision to give up on Friday, but Fu Yang insisted it was a necessary decision to make before Lu Sen fired them. He suggested that Kang Li'er find a reliable research team to take over the project.
Kang Li'er argued that no one was more suitable than Fu Yang, including herself, expressing her deep sense of security when with him. However, she also confessed that the closer she got, the more uncertain she became, fearing he might abandon her one day to protect her, just as he was doing with Friday.
Fu Yang tried to reassure her that she and Friday were different, but Kang Li'er interrupted, saying she feared being even more disappointed than Lu Sen if she heard more. Fu Yang then stated his belief that if he stayed, he could improve Friday and help Lu Sen more, but felt helpless, wondering what else he could do besides keeping his distance.
Kang Li'er advised him to give Lu Sen what he truly wanted, acknowledging that Lu Sen himself might not even know what that was. Meanwhile, at home, Tang Yajing tried to console Shanshan, offering her a walnut cake she had personally peeled and urging her to eat and sleep instead of overworking herself with research, as simply eating and sleeping well was the best choice. Shanshan, however, was determined to find a solution.
She continued researching online and discovered that a Danish patient, whom Dr. Ou had told her died, actually recovered after reuniting with his lover and living happily ever after. This revelation made Shanshan question why Dr. Ou had lied, suspecting it was to prevent her from seeing Lu Sen, or perhaps it was Lu Sen's own wish. Despite the complexity, Shanshan expressed her willingness to stay away from Lu Sen but reiterated her strong desire for his recovery.
Tang Yajing reaffirmed her unwavering support, telling Shanshan to do whatever she felt was right and offering to defend her against any criticism, even if the whole world said she was wrong. Shanshan then asked Tang Yajing to teach her how to cook, and her friend began by showing her how to remove the sand vein from shrimp.
Later, Shanshan brought homemade porridge to Lu Sen's house and asked Mr. Xie to deliver it, suggesting he claim it as his own so Lu Sen would eat it while it was still warm. Mr. Xie, unable to resist her earnest plea, agreed. However, Lu Sen confronted Shanshan, demanding to know who let her in. Shanshan explained she only intended to discreetly leave the food.
Lu Sen angrily accused her of mocking him, recalling how she had pretended to be a robot, making him look foolish, and confessing his feelings for "Friday." He sarcastically asked what else she wanted, suggesting she wished to see him die. Shanshan tearfully pleaded for them to start over, asserting that her sole desire was to see him happier each day. Lu Sen rejected her, declaring their past a lie and wishing he had never known her.
Shanshan, heartbroken, later found herself crying, admitting, "I'm sorry. I know that I lied to you, but I can't lie to myself. You said that you can't leave me, but actually, I am the one who needs you more." She continued to prepare meals for him.
Despite Mr. Xie's attempts to stop her at the gate and his explanation that Lu Sen had forbidden her entry and any items associated with her, Shanshan climbed over the wall to deliver the food. Lu Sen, seeing her from his room, instructed his smart home system, IMU, to close the curtains, choosing to avoid any interaction.
Dr. Ou noticed Lu Sen's health data had improved over the past two days and inquired about any changes, such as what he did or ate. Lu Sen simply stated he was hungry. Later, after observing Shanshan's persistent visits to the estate, Dr. Ou surmised that her presence was indeed the reason for Lu Sen's improved condition. Shanshan knew Lu Sen was not eating well and believed finding a familiar taste might help him eat.
She told Tang Yajing that Lu Sen preferred sweet oranges to those from his own orange tree, and she was determined to find the sweetest ones for him. After trying many, she found a batch that, despite being green, were exceptionally sweet, declaring them perfect. She then used these oranges to make a special "orange egg" dish for Lu Sen. Feeling restless and burdened by his emotions, Lu Sen spoke with Mr. Xie.
He initially complained about Mr. Xie allowing Shanshan onto the property, but Mr. Xie clarified that he had never opened the gate for her and that "the gate can't stop that girl." Lu Sen then asked if Mr. Xie had ever lied to him. Mr. Xie responded that everyone lies at some point and pointed out Lu Sen's own forgotten promise to buy him fruit tree trimming tools over a year ago.
He explained that things easily forgotten are often unimportant and replaceable, while matters that weigh heavily on one's mind are what truly matter. Mr. Xie shared the analogy of hedgehogs, who, despite the pain of their quills, huddle together for warmth in winter, choosing the discomfort of being hurt over freezing to death. He observed that humans, unlike animals, often fear emotional pain more, as love brings pain.
Finally, Mr. Xie encouraged Lu Sen to visit the greenhouse to check on the orange tree that his parents had planted, whose leaves had become much more yellowish this year. Lu Sen received a video message from Fu Yang and his team. In the video, Fu Yang offered a heartfelt apology for their deception, specifically for making Shanshan pretend to be Friday.
He clarified that Shanshan had no involvement in the initial lie and that he was the one who pressured her. He then instructed Friday to immediately highlight any future falsehoods. After explaining the entire process of their deception, Fu Yang stated that they did not expect Lu Sen's trust or forgiveness. He offered to leave Friday with Lu Sen as their only way to make amends, assuring him of their continued support should he ever need them.
Tang Yajing added her apology, offering to eat a raw heaven-facing pepper as a sign of her sincerity, prompting another team member to jokingly suggest even hotter peppers like the Carolina Reaper or Trinidad Moruga scorpion. Shanshan began working as a delivery driver. One night, while on a late delivery, she had a minor accident on her bike but quickly recovered and continued to her destination. The next morning, she arrived at Lu Sen's house with food once more.
Lu Sen confronted her, telling her, "You don't have to do this for me." When Shanshan asked what he needed, he curtly replied, "Nothing. Just leave." Shanshan, accepting his words, said she would leave but promised, "Tell me when you need me then. I'll wait for you." As she walked away from his house, she shouted back, "Lu Sen! Listen! The oranges are really sweet! You must give them a try! Please."
