Be My Princess Episode 1 Recap
> Be My Princess Recap
In a dream-like sequence, a man named Mu Tingzhou walks on water, approaching a pavilion where a woman sits, playing a Chinese zither. Curtains gently sway, obscuring her face, yet revealing her graceful silhouette. The woman, who calls herself Ming Hua, tells the Grand Tutor that she has been waiting for him for a long time. Mu Tingzhou asks if she is Princess Ming Hua and why he is there.
Ming Hua replies that his obsession brought him to her and that her true face will be revealed when she appears before him in person. Mu Tingzhou longs to see her clearly, but he feels himself fading away. Mu Tingzhou, a renowned Best Actor, awakens from his dream, the image of Princess Ming Hua still vivid in his mind.
As he heads out, he thinks he sees the woman from his dream, and it is later confirmed when she arrives at his business meeting. The woman is Ming Wei, a part-time Hanfu model and interpreter. At the meeting with a VIP named Orlando, Ming Wei introduces herself as the interpreter. Mu Tingzhou's agent, Xiao Zhao, compliments her unique appearance. To everyone's surprise, Mu Tingzhou converses fluently in Italian with Orlando.
After Orlando excuses himself to take a call, Ming Wei, left alone with the actor, awkwardly asks for an autograph. He cryptically tells her she is "the fourth one," a reference to his self-imposed limit of three autographs per day, and she retreats to her seat. While on her phone, Ming Wei is shocked to see that her boyfriend, Cheng Yao, is in the same restaurant.
Xiao Zhao spots Cheng Yao and brings him over to introduce him to Mu Tingzhou as Mr. Cheng from Zhenghua Group. Cheng Yao is accompanied by Wang Yingying, the female lead of a popular TV series. After Mu Tingzhou states he hasn't seen the show, Wang Yingying sarcastically confronts Ming Wei, insinuating that a man of Cheng Yao's status would never marry someone like her and mockingly wishes them happiness.
Outwardly composed, Ming Wei is internally seething, having realized Cheng Yao's infidelity. When she tries to leave, Cheng Yao grabs her arm, but she firmly tells him their relationship is over, expressing relief at discovering his deception early. Observing the confrontation, Mu Tingzhou finds Ming Wei interesting. Outside, he finds a distraught Ming Wei and, to his agent's surprise, offers to take a photo with her.
After the picture is taken, a tearful Ming Wei complains that it's an ugly photo and asks for a retake, but Xiao Zhao assures her it can be photoshopped, warning her not to post it on social media. Upon returning home, Ming Wei finds Cheng Yao waiting for her. He claims his dinner with Wang Yingying was a "breakup meal" and pleads for forgiveness.
Ming Wei dismisses his excuses, pointing to their intimate behavior as proof of his betrayal, and insists on a clean break. As Cheng Yao persists, Ming Wei's younger sister, Ming Qiao, intervenes, kicking him and warning the "cheating scumbag" to stay away. She reminds Ming Wei that their family runs a martial arts school and that she should be more assertive. Later, Ming Wei excitedly tells Ming Qiao that she met Mu Tingzhou.
Ming Qiao joins Ming Wei as she researches ancient texts for a project. Ming Wei explains that understanding the daily lives and customs of ordinary people is crucial for truly embodying a character beyond a mere historical outline. Their conversation turns to Mu Tingzhou, with Ming Qiao lamenting the missed opportunity for a valuable autograph. Soon after, Ming Wei receives a private message from Shen Su of Dongying Group, inviting her to audition for a costume drama.
Shen Su explains that Ming Wei's Hanfu photos on social media suggest her image and temperament align perfectly with a character. Ming Qiao is ecstatic, recalling that the production Mu Tingzhou was involved with was looking for a new female lead after the original actress became pregnant. At the audition, Ming Wei runs into Wang Yingying, who mockingly questions her acting ability. Undeterred, Ming Wei prepares for her turn.
Shen Su, noting Ming Wei’s background in playing the Chinese zither, asks her to perform a scene with the instrument. As Ming Wei skillfully plays, Mu Tingzhou is drawn by the music. Watching her, he is convinced that she is the Princess Ming Hua from his dream. In the subsequent casting meeting, the production team discusses the four finalists. A producer expresses reservations about casting Ming Wei, a complete rookie.
However, with Mu Tingzhou championing her, Ming Wei is ultimately chosen for the role. Ming Qiao congratulates her sister, declaring that career success is a reward for her romantic misfortune. They discuss the role, and Ming Qiao excitedly notes that the drama might feature Mu Tingzhou's first-ever onscreen kiss, as he is famous for avoiding intimate scenes. In preparation for filming, Ming Wei diligently studies history and the script.
At a public lecture on Ming Dynasty history, she encounters Mu Tingzhou and Xiao Zhao. Mu Tingzhou pointedly states that while learning is vital, innate talent is paramount, implying diligence cannot compensate for a lack of natural ability. Undeterred, Ming Wei asserts her belief that "diligence can make up for a lot" and promises not to disappoint the team.
Mu Tingzhou sets a firm boundary, warning that he will not tolerate incompetence delaying the shoot and that if she fails, she should leave on her own accord. Later, Ming Wei meets Chen Zhang, the actor playing her consort, whose jovial personality is a stark contrast to Mu Tingzhou's. After the director dismisses them, Ming Wei waits for Mu Tingzhou to leave before taking the elevator, but he invites her to join him.
In the confined space, Ming Wei expresses her hope to learn from him. Mu Tingzhou replies that he might consider it, but only if she demonstrates her "sincerity." As he slowly leans closer, a confused and apprehensive Ming Wei instinctively backs away, wondering if he is suggesting she abide by the industry's "unspoken rules."
