Be My Princess Episode 23 Recap
> Be My Princess Recap
Mu Tingzhou consulted a doctor about a peculiar sensation he experienced whenever he encountered a particular woman. He found it difficult to describe, stating he had never felt anything like it before. The doctor, despite his professional assurances of confidentiality, struggled to understand, asking if it caused nervousness, heart palpitations, sweating, or dizziness, all of which Mu Tingzhou denied. Ming Wei arrived at the Mu family residence, furious about her father being sent to the police station.
She confronted Mu Tingzhou, demanding to know why he had called the police on her father and threatening consequences if anything happened to him. Xu Lin, Mu Tingzhou's sister, and others present scoffed at Ming Wei's indignation, labeling her father a "perpetrator of violence" and pointing to Mu's mother's injured hand as proof. Ming Wei vehemently denied her father would resort to violence, though she admitted he had a bad temper.
Mu Tingzhou intervened, telling Xu Lin to stop and his mother to rest, taking charge of the situation. Ming Wei then asked if her father had indeed injured Mu's mother, conceding it might have been an accident. She apologized profusely to Mu Tingzhou and his mother, pleading for her father's release due to his age and inexperience with such situations.
She offered to cover all medical expenses and promised that from that day forward, she would never step foot in their home or have any interaction with Mu Tingzhou again, ensuring no more trouble. Mu Tingzhou agreed not to pursue legal action, acknowledging that they both bore some responsibility for the incident. Ming Wei then reflected on her own mistakes, realizing she should not have allowed herself to be swayed by him when he claimed to be the Grand Tutor.
She admitted that despite knowing the Grand Tutor was merely a fictional character, she couldn't help but fall in love with him. She asserted she had no regrets, believing he was worthy of her feelings. She expressed her gratitude for Mu Tingzhou's generosity and reiterated her desire for them to go their separate ways, never crossing paths again. After his release, Ming Wei's father assured her he was unharmed.
Ming Wei, however, blamed herself for his predicament, believing it was her insistence on marrying the Grand Tutor that led to their troubles. Her father and Ming Qiao comforted her, reassuring her that parents would never blame their children and that their family would always be her safe harbor. Ming Wei's father then suggested she leave the entertainment industry, citing its lack of privacy and the constant scrutiny that led to such issues.
He urged her to distance herself from both Mu Tingzhou and the industry to protect herself. Ming Wei firmly refused, reminding her parents that they had always taught her to face difficulties bravely and never retreat. She declared that giving up now would mean she was not a true daughter of the Ming family. Her parents, sensing her unwavering resolve, were somewhat comforted.
Xiao Zhao met with Ming Qiao, who voiced her frustration about her proud father being sent to the police by someone who nearly became his son-in-law. She firmly placed the blame on Mu Tingzhou. Xiao Zhao revealed that Mu Tingzhou had already sent him to the police station to facilitate her father's release even before Ming Wei arrived, clarifying that it was Xu Lin, not Mu Tingzhou, who had initially called the police.
Ming Qiao expressed annoyance at Xu Lin's interference, to which Xiao Zhao promised he would address it with her. Xiao Zhao then offered a different perspective on the incident, suggesting that despite its harshness, it might ultimately help Ming Wei overcome her low spirits and move on from her heartbreak over the Grand Tutor, who would never truly return.
Ming Qiao conceded his point, though she maintained that her sister would never meet Mu Tingzhou again, and their two families would remain completely separate. Later, Xiao Zhao returned home to find Xu Lin. He confronted her, asking why she escalated the situation by calling the police.
Xu Lin, defending her actions, explained that when Mu Tingzhou's mother fell and was in pain, and Mu Tingzhou was enraged, she acted to prevent things from worsening, especially given Ming Wei's father's seemingly aggressive demeanor. She added that she couldn't understand why Ming Wei allowed her father to cause such a scene.
Xiao Zhao became angry when Xu Lin then verbally attacked Ming Qiao, accusing him of being infatuated with Ming Qiao and calling her inferior to his past girlfriends. He sternly warned Xu Lin not to insult Ming Qiao again and to mind her own business. Xu Lin became tearful, expressing her feeling that both Xiao Zhao and Mu Tingzhou had been unhappy with her since her return, despite their past closeness.
She admitted to being petty but attributed it to her intense love for Mu Tingzhou and her fear of losing him. Xiao Zhao comforted her and led her inside. Meanwhile, Mu Tingzhou was haunted by thoughts of Ming Wei, even dreaming of her. He watched a clip of himself with her from an old show, wondering why she was constantly on his mind.
Elsewhere, Ming Qiao informed Xiao Zhao that Ming Wei was much better, back to normal work, and laughing, suggesting that all the past troubles were finally over and everyone was back on track. She expressed hope for her sister's smooth future. During a basketball game, Xiao Zhao explicitly introduced Ming Qiao as his girlfriend to another woman, stating his intention to "hold on to her tightly" by publicly acknowledging their relationship.
Xu Lin presented Mu Tingzhou with sketches for a new vintage tailored suit. Mu Tingzhou inquired about her plans to return to the UK to complete her studies. Xu Lin replied she had no immediate plans, preferring to spend more time with him after their long separation. Mu Tingzhou suggested instead that she spend more time with her father, who was often alone, especially since Xiao Zhao was frequently with him.
He advised her to move back with her father, stating that her father needed her company. Xu Lin, perceiving this as an attempt to distance her, asked if he was trying to kick her out. Mu Tingzhou denied it, and Xu Lin, accepting his suggestion, said she would stay with her father for a few days but would remain available if he needed her. Mu Tingzhou reassured her that he was fine.
Shen Su praised Mu Tingzhou for the success of his show, "Grand Chief Cabinet Minister," and suggested he take on more projects to secure his market position. She also showed him a clip of his past work with Ming Wei, prompting him to recall nothing, though he noted the scene's emotional outcome, including a kiss, was uncharacteristic of his usual acting style.
Shen Su attributed this to Ming Wei's exceptional performance, which inspired him to a different level of expression, implying his subconscious acknowledgment of her skill. Mu Tingzhou considered new scripts. Later, Shen Su gravely informed Ming Wei that Mu Tingzhou had decided to star in "The Butterfly Lovers," the same production for which Ming Wei was slated as the female lead. Xiao Zhao, separately, advised Mu Tingzhou against taking the role, citing Ming Wei's involvement and potential awkwardness.
Mu Tingzhou, however, firmly stated that as a professional actor, he would not abandon a good script for personal reasons and believed Ming Wei, if professional, would also not let their personal history interfere with her work. Ming Qiao, upon learning of Mu Tingzhou's involvement, visited Ming Wei to offer support. She expressed her frustration with Mu Tingzhou and Xiao Zhao, who couldn't dissuade him, but urged Ming Wei not to let Mu Tingzhou affect her mood.
After much consideration, Ming Wei decided to withdraw from "The Butterfly Lovers." She explained that she could not work daily with someone who looked exactly like her "boyfriend" without her emotions being stirred. She stated her decision was for her own well-being and that she would seek a more suitable script. She also acknowledged Mu Tingzhou's right to choose his roles and advised Ming Qiao not to let their issues harm her relationship with Xiao Zhao.
Ming Qiao then offered to be Ming Wei's assistant. The next day, Shen Su accompanied Ming Wei to meet with Mr. Liu, the producer, to formally withdraw Ming Wei from "The Butterfly Lovers" and pay the breach of contract penalty. To their surprise, Mr. Liu informed them that Mu Tingzhou, through Xiao Zhao, had already offered to cover the penalty if Ming Wei chose to withdraw.
Ming Wei, however, firmly refused the offer, insisting that the consequences of her decision were her own responsibility and that she should not burden others. She asked Mr. Liu to convey her gratitude to Mu Tingzhou but reiterated her intention to pay the penalty herself. Xiao Zhao informed Mu Tingzhou that Ming Wei had indeed refused to star in "The Butterfly Lovers" and had also rejected his offer to pay her penalty, though she expressed her thanks.
He remarked that Ming Wei's heart seemed to have been completely broken by past events, leading her to give up such a good script. Mu Tingzhou then met with Ming Wei to discuss the penalty. He revealed that he had anticipated her withdrawal was due to his involvement and, as he insisted on taking the role, he felt a responsibility to assist her.
He offered to cover the penalty, assuming it was a significant sum for her given her relatively short time in the industry. Ming Wei thanked him for his consideration but maintained that her decision was entirely her own and that accepting his payment would make her uneasy. She insisted on paying it herself. Mu Tingzhou then asked if she intended to continue her acting career.
When she confirmed her dedication to the profession, stating she found increasing joy and fulfillment in it, he challenged her, asking if her decision to withdraw from the production was not, in fact, "very unprofessional" for an aspiring professional actor.
