Better Halves Episode 1 Recap
> Better Halves Recap
At Xibao Pavilion, Shi Fa'ke, President of the Heiresses' Society, promoted the Huayuan Palanquin Shop's new sedan chairs. When her friend, He Ketian from He's Bakery, pointed out the issue of using male bearers, Shi Fa'ke unveiled an option with female bearers, emphasizing confidentiality and matching attire. With offers of free trials and monthly discounts, she enticed many noble ladies to register.
After her presentation, He Ketian playfully reminded Shi Fa'ke about her unmet monthly matchmaking quota for the Official Matchmaking Agency, warning that her mother, Chief Matchmaker Tao, might revoke her "No.1 Matchmaker in the World" gold badge. Shi Fa'ke confidently replied she still had two days and friends to help, eyeing Zhu Yanyan, the Prime Minister's daughter. Realizing Shi Fa'ke's intent, Zhu Yanyan quickly excused herself to go home and read novels.
Meanwhile, Lu Chi arrived at Xibao Pavilion and observed Shi Fa'ke's sales methods with disdain, criticizing the pavilion manager, Ms. Li, for allowing promotions that fostered extravagance. Lu Chi then inquired about a new painting by Mr. Lin Yuan. Shi Fa'ke, eager for a new client, introduced herself as the daughter of Chief Matchmaker Tao. Hearing she was the heir to the "No.1 Matchmaker," Lu Chi's demeanor softened, realizing she could help him find someone.
They viewed Mr. Lin Yuan's painting, "Having Equal Status in Marriage." Shi Fa'ke, seeing it as a professional omen, was determined to buy it. However, He Ketian outbid her, securing the painting for 800 taels, leaving Shi Fa'ke disappointed. Lu Chi remarked that a gentleman does not take what others love, which Shi Fa'ke misinterpreted as an excuse for being unable to afford it.
Still focused on her quota, Shi Fa'ke learned Lu Chi was new to the capital and intended to visit the Official Matchmaking Agency. Assuming he sought a spouse, she insisted on helping him. Lu Chi showed interest when she mentioned the agency's comprehensive registry and invited her to dinner.
During their meal, Lu Chi described the person he was searching for: a girl with a round face, of coming-of-age, from a wealthy family, who smelled of cake, and possessed a valuable gold badge. Believing his clothes were pretentiously "last year's fashion," Shi Fa'ke offered to buy him a new outfit, irritating Lu Chi with her presumptuousness. As they left, Lu Chi noticed a familiar sweet scent on Shi Fa'ke, which she identified as the aroma of He's Bakery's desserts.
At the bakery, the scent triggered Lu Chi's childhood memories. He Kexian, He Ketian's brother, cautioned Shi Fa'ke against associating with the mysterious Lu Chi. Unconcerned, Shi Fa'ke invited both He Kexian and Lu Chi to her upcoming coming-of-age ceremony. Convinced she had found a match, Shi Fa'ke took Lu Chi to the Wu Mansion. There, they were met with a deception: the maid was posing as Miss Wu.
Lu Chi quickly exposed the ruse, noting the "maid's" rough hands and the "daughter's" submissive behavior. Furious, Shi Fa'ke threatened to blacklist the Wu family. Lu Chi, however, pointed out that the real Miss Wu did not resemble the girl he sought and accused Shi Fa'ke of misleading him into a blind date. Shi Fa'ke retorted that she had followed his description and admonished him for his perceived pretentiousness.
When Lu Chi calmly agreed with her lecture, she grew furious at his composure and again threatened to blacklist him. Now serious, Lu Chi apologized and asked for her help in meeting her mother on a private matter. Appeased, Shi Fa'ke agreed, on the condition that he draw a portrait of the deceptive Miss Wu to warn other matchmakers, adding that he could meet her mother at her coming-of-age ceremony.
Later, Lu Chi tasked his subordinate, Lu Yi, with investigating the Weiyuan Escort Agency and instructed Ms. Li to purchase property next to Shi Fa'ke's residence to get closer to Chief Matchmaker Tao. As Lu Chi sketched the eyes of the girl from his memory, Lu Yi noted their familiarity. That night, Lu Chi delivered the finished portrait to Shi Fa'ke's home and asked if she had ever met him when they were children.
Before she could answer, her two older brothers arrived, and a flustered Shi Fa'ke rushed off. The next day, at the Official Matchmaking Agency, Shi Fa'ke defended herself against the Wu family's complaint by presenting Lu Chi's portrait as evidence of their deception, impressing her mother. However, Chief Matchmaker Tao warned her she would lose her allowance if she failed to meet her quota.
Elsewhere, Marquis Wu'an learned that a painting secretly sold by the Grand Tutor had been purchased by He Ketian. On the day of Shi Fa'ke's coming-of-age ceremony, He Kexian prepared a special gift of handmade pastries. Shi Fa'ke confided in her cousin, Shi Qin'er, that she was waiting for a "beggar boy" she had promised to marry as a child and needed her "No.1 Matchmaker" badge to recognize him.
Guests arrived with lavish gifts: Shi Qin'er brought a limited-edition novel, He Ketian presented the "Having Equal Status in Marriage" painting, and Ms. Li offered a lifetime discount and unlimited credit at Xibao Pavilion on behalf of its lord. Lu Chi's arrival drew suspicion from Shi Fa'ke's father and brothers, especially after he introduced himself as a new neighbor whom Shi Fa'ke had taken on a blind date.
When He Kexian presented his pastries and wished her happiness, Shi Fa'ke reiterated her commitment to her career and her decade-old promise to the beggar boy, stating she could not consider marriage until she fulfilled her vow. She then excused herself to fix her makeup.
