Better Halves Episode 14 Recap
> Better Halves Recap
After Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi confessed their feelings, they spent their days in sweet companionship. One day, while by the marriage tree near the lake, Lu Chi presented Shi Fa'ke with a custom-made jade pendant that granted her access to all Lu family properties, and a marriage stone bearing their names. They carved their names on the stone and hung it on the tree, symbolizing their bond.
Shortly after, they observed Lu Zhuxi and Zhu Yanyan secretly meeting at the very same tree. Returning home, Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke confronted Lu Zhuxi, who admitted he had arranged the meeting. He confessed his feelings for Yanyan but expressed uncertainty about her reciprocation. Lu Zhuxi then entreated Shi Fa'ke to discreetly inquire about Yanyan's true feelings, and Shi Fa'ke readily agreed to help.
Keeping her promise, Shi Fa'ke visited Zhu Yanyan to ask about her feelings for Lu Zhuxi. Yanyan happily confirmed their affection was mutual. Their conversation then turned to an unfinished novel titled "Neighboring Hermit," which Yanyan eagerly explained was a unique story. The narrative began with a young boy who became a beggar after a sudden family tragedy, depicting his heart-wrenching struggle to survive.
Yanyan recounted how the boy endured by receiving desserts from a kind little girl, later finding a foster father and a younger brother. The most striking detail, Yanyan revealed, was the boy's secret: a childhood engagement to the little girl who gave him the desserts. The novel's male protagonist, Chi Lu, who had a younger brother named Xi Zhu, was currently searching for this girl.
Realizing the striking parallels between the novel's plot and her own childhood, Shi Fa'ke immediately borrowed the novel. Armed with the revelations from the novel, Shi Fa'ke sought out Lu Chi. She directly asked if he was the little beggar boy she had met in her childhood. Lu Chi confirmed her suspicion, adding that Lu Zhuxi was the author, "Neighboring Hermit."
Lu Chi further explained that he had not come to the capital merely to see the little girl, but to marry her, even though she had not recognized him. Overwhelmed with emotion, Shi Fa'ke embraced him, tears streaming down her face. She lamented that she had previously returned their shared marriage stone to the heavens, but Lu Chi reassured her that their destined love was unbreakable. Together, they then found the very marriage stone they had placed on the tree.
Shi Fa'ke meticulously prepared to meet Lu Chi, trying on numerous outfits, dissatisfied with her reflection despite her cousin Qin'er's reassurances of her beauty. Ultimately, encouraged by Qin'er, she left to meet him. Meanwhile, her elder brother Xianxian and Pan'er were seen happily hand-in-hand, and her other brother, Chongshan, was on a date with their cousin, Qin'er.
Lu Chi spent the entire day with Shi Fa'ke, taking her for sour plum soup, roasted chicken, to the Peony Garden, and the opera house. As he escorted her home, they spotted her brothers, Xianxian and Chongshan, returning. Knowing Xianxian's disapproval of her relationship with Lu Chi, Shi Fa'ke quickly pulled Lu Chi into hiding.
However, both Xianxian and Chongshan were also acting suspiciously, clearly trying to conceal their own recent romantic outings, and Shi Fa'ke realized her brothers were hiding secrets from her. Later that night, Shi Fa'ke reflected on her brothers' secretive behavior, correctly guessing they had been on dates. Just then, Lu Chi appeared at her window, claiming he couldn't sleep due to her "sweetness."
Shi Fa'ke shared her observations about her brothers and her impending busy schedule with Lu Zhuxi's marriage preparations. As they shared a tender moment, her cousin Qin'er called out, wanting to sleep with Shi Fa'ke. Reluctantly, Shi Fa'ke urged Lu Chi to leave. The following day, Shi Fa'ke found Lu Chi preparing betrothal gifts for Lu Zhuxi and Zhu Yanyan.
Seizing the opportunity, she subtly probed Pan'er's feelings about betrothal gifts, confirming her suspicion that Pan'er and Xianxian shared a mutual affection. Meanwhile, Lu Zhuxi went to see Zhu Yanyan. He playfully confessed that he had "someone who has always cared for him," which Yanyan misunderstood as him harboring feelings for another. Offended, Yanyan declared she only sought a wholeheartedly devoted partner.
To rectify the misunderstanding, Lu Zhuxi revealed his personal seal, proving he was "Neighboring Hermit," the author Yanyan so admired. Her anger instantly turned to joy. Accompanied by Shi Fa'ke, Lu Zhuxi went to Lord Zhu's mansion to formally propose to Yanyan. Lu Zhuxi introduced himself, mentioned his pen name, and assured Lord Zhu of his deep affection for Yanyan. Shi Fa'ke supported his plea, emphasizing their genuine love.
However, Lord Zhu dismissed Lu Zhuxi as a commoner, asserting that his family, officials for generations, lacked neither money nor power and valued Yanyan above all. He expressed skepticism that books and sweet words could provide lasting happiness. Despite Shi Fa'ke's arguments that Yanyan's happiness was paramount, Lord Zhu refused his approval, asking them to return another day. A dejected Lu Zhuxi returned to Lu Chi, but Shi Fa'ke encouraged him not to lose heart.
Upon learning of the rejection, a heartbroken Zhu Yanyan pleaded with her grandfather, recounting how Lu Zhuxi had bravely rescued her from a fire, demonstrating his selfless character. While Lord Zhu acknowledged this, he deemed it insufficient proof of his resolve. He asserted that a man must exhibit unwavering perseverance and that if Lu Zhuxi was sincere, he must prove it directly to him. He then declared he would put Lu Zhuxi to a test.
Later, Yanyan joyfully reunited with Lu Zhuxi, who presented her with newly written chapters of his novel, and they reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to each other. Meanwhile, at the Official Matchmaking Agency, Shi Fa'ke celebrated a remarkably successful month with her colleagues. Outside, Lu Chi playfully teased her about being busy with others' marriages, wondering when it would be their turn.
That evening, He Kexian noticed his older brother was in low spirits over Shi Fa'ke's absence and urged him to actively pursue her before Lu Chi gained too much of an advantage.
