Better Halves Episode 12 Recap
> Better Halves Recap
Following Shi Fa'ke's success in securing the Xibao Flower Assembly hosting rights, the grand event commenced. Ms. Deng, despite meticulously preparing for the assembly and hoping to impress, actively greeted young ladies but was met with cold indifference from attendees, causing her frustration. Lu Chi, the Chief of Xibao Pavilion, arrived at the Xibao Flower Assembly with his younger brother, Lu Zhuxi.
They soon encountered Zhu Yanyan, a young lady from the Prime Minister's Mansion and a close friend of Shi Fa'ke, the event's organizer. Lu Zhuxi, known for his love of novels and occasional writing, attempted to charm Zhu Yanyan, who also expressed her passion for reading but lamented her strained eyes and a disappointing reprint of "Neighboring Hermit's Junshan Collection." She playfully threatened the author for not writing new content.
As Shi Fa'ke left to attend to her duties, Zhu Yanyan then found her friend, Ketian, looking strangely alone. Ketian's fiancé, Zhu Yizhi, who was usually absent from social events but surprisingly active at the assembly, was seen mingling happily with other young women, having abandoned Ketian. Zhu Yanyan expressed her anger at Zhu Yizhi for leaving Ketian by herself, but Ketian, though hurt, defended him, stating they were not yet married and shouldn't be seen together constantly.
Shi Chongshan, feeling indignant, went to confront Zhu Yizhi. Zhu Yanyan, seeing Chongshan's considerate nature towards Ketian, encouraged Ketian to consider him, highlighting Chongshan's kindness and devotion compared to Zhu Yizhi, even suggesting that the Shi family's kind matriarch and Chongshan's long-standing affection for Ketian made him a far better match. Chongshan, shy, blushed at the suggestion.
Shi Fa'ke officially opened the Xibao Flower Assembly, explaining the "glass lamp" activity where young ladies could light a lamp for a chosen gentleman, ask questions, and decide whether to keep the lamp lit for further acquaintance. Gentlemen whose lamps remained lit would then choose one lady to spend time with. Lu Chi, a major sponsor, generously offered meal vouchers and special gift vouchers for betrothal gifts or dowries for any couple matched by Shi Fa'ke.
He Kexian, owner of He's Bakery and another key sponsor, also offered wedding cake vouchers. Ms. Deng, observing the event's success, seethed with resentment, believing Shi Fa'ke had changed and was now capable of organizing such a grand event, though still muddled in her own personal matters. For those not participating in the lamp lighting, Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi co-hosted additional games. Zhu Yizhi attempted to join the arrow-throwing game, which was meant for singles.
Shi Fa'ke, angered by his audacity and his blatant disregard for Ketian, noted he was Ketian's fiancé and was humiliating her. Lu Chi promised to make Zhu Yizhi "give up," and true to his word, Zhu Yizhi failed at both arrow-throwing and a subsequent bamboo ring game, making a spectacle of himself. The lamp lighting began, with Lu Zhuxi as the first gentleman. His brother, Lu Chi, introduced him, emphasizing his free-spirited and kind nature, and his talent for writing.
Lu Zhuxi recited a peculiar poem that only Zhu Yanyan understood, recognizing it as a "doggerel" from Neighboring Hermit's novel, and she promptly lit his lamp. Next, Lu Yi, an employee of Xibao Pavilion, was introduced by Lu Chi as loyal and capable. When a young lady inquired about his property and dowry, Lu Yi honestly stated his current lack of property but his savings of 450 taels for a house with a vegetable plot.
Shi Fa'ke intervened, emphasizing that marriage should be about mutual affection rather than wealth, and a young lady named Qin'er lit Lu Yi's lamp, expressing her liking for the idea of a house with a vegetable plot. Lu Yi then performed an impressive martial arts display. Following the event, Shi Xianxian, a constable and Shi Fa'ke's brother, was seen inviting Li Pan'er for a walk, and she happily accepted.
After the assembly's activities concluded, the attendees were invited to stroll freely. Lu Chi praised Shi Fa'ke for the assembly's immense success, acknowledging her brilliant ideas. As they conversed, Lu Chi hinted at wanting to express something deeper, but Shi Fa'ke deftly sidestepped, instead asking about Lu Chi's younger brother, Lu Zhuxi, suggesting she could find him a match with Zhu Yanyan.
When Lu Chi implied he was seeking a match for himself, Shi Fa'ke advised him to be proactive and decisive, but he was interrupted by the sight of Ketian. Kexian approached Shi Fa'ke, encouraged by Ketian to seek her out. Kexian worried about leaving Ketian alone, especially since Zhu Yizhi was nowhere to be found, but Chongshan stepped in, assuring Kexian he would stay by Ketian's side.
Taking advantage of the moment, Lu Chi led Shi Fa'ke to a rooftop, allowing them to enjoy the festive lights and the beautiful night sky, subtly avoiding Kexian. Chongshan offered to take Ketian to find Zhu Yizhi, but Ketian refused, resigned to Zhu Yizhi's disinterest in her. She heartbreakingly expressed her willingness to turn a blind eye to his future infidelities if they were to marry.
Chongshan, visibly pained by her words, assured her that he and Kexian would never allow her to suffer. Meanwhile, on the rooftop, Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke saw a shooting star. Lu Chi made a silent wish for them to be together forever, and Shi Fa'ke, wishing for his wish to come true, kept her own wish secret. Elsewhere, Zhu Yanyan and Lu Zhuxi were engrossed in conversation, discussing the unfinished novel of "Neighboring Hermit."
Zhu Yanyan lamented the incomplete story of Junshan and Caifeng, suggesting they send a "razor blade" to the author. Lu Zhuxi, revealing intimate knowledge of the novel's future plot and confessing that "Neighboring Hermit" was his friend, delighted Zhu Yanyan, who eagerly asked him to urge his friend to release the next part.
Lu Zhuxi then shared his philosophy on love and marriage, explaining that while one can admire or enjoy someone's talents, true marriage requires mutual affection and a lifelong commitment, echoing Shi Fa'ke's earlier sentiments. Zhu Yanyan understood and, after Lu Zhuxi invited her to travel to a neighboring city, she expressed her gratitude for Lu Zhuxi's kindness, resolving to clarify her past with someone she referred to as her "beggar boy."
Later, as Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi remained on the rooftop, Shi Fa'ke suggested they rejoin the others, concerned about being away too long. Lu Chi, however, wanted to prolong their private moment, hinting at their "little secret" that would be discovered if others found them. Down below, Kexian once again tried to approach Shi Fa'ke, who, unaware of his romantic intentions, playfully promised to find him a good match.
Meanwhile, Ms. Deng, lost and disoriented due to poor eyesight, sought directions from Zhu Yanyan. Overwhelmed by her frustration at being ignored and overshadowed by Shi Fa'ke and her family's reputation as the "Number One Matchmakers," Ms. Deng, in a fit of rage, dragged Zhu Yanyan into a nearby woodshed and set it ablaze, defiantly proclaiming herself the true Chief Matchmaker.
Chaos erupted as the fire spread, but Shi Fa'ke, steadfast in her role as organizer, refused to flee, instead sending Qin'er and Lu Yi to fetch the fire brigade. Chongshan, demonstrating remarkable composure amidst the panic, calmed the crowd and guided attendees to safety. Li Pan'er remained close to him, expressing her admiration. Shi Xianxian, Shi Fa'ke's brother and a constable, also took charge, leading people out of the burning assembly grounds.
Hearing Zhu Yanyan's cries for help, Lu Zhuxi bravely rushed into the inferno to rescue her. In stark contrast, Zhu Yizhi callously abandoned Ketian to save himself, nearly causing her to be trampled, only for Chongshan to intervene and protect her. Shi Fa'ke, still concerned for Kexian, was stopped by Lu Chi, who promised to rescue Kexian himself and urged her to wait in a safe place.
True to his word, Lu Chi rescued Kexian, who, despite his gratitude, declared his unwavering affection for Shi Fa'ke, to which Lu Chi defiantly stated he would not yield either. As the fire brigade arrived, Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi went back into the burning building to search for Ms. Deng and Zhu Yanyan. Ms. Deng, still crying for help, was being pursued by unseen figures, stumbled into Shi Fa'ke, and was struck by a falling beam.
In her dying moments, Ms. Deng confessed her lifelong dedication to matchmaking and her deep-seated resentment at being constantly overshadowed by Shi Fa'ke's family, feeling her efforts were never recognized. Shi Fa'ke, despite everything, comforted her, assuring her that she was a diligent and good marriage broker, just like her own mother. Ms. Deng, finding a moment of peace and acknowledging her wrongs, passed away in Shi Fa'ke's arms.
