Better Halves Episode 16 Recap
> Better Halves Recap
Shi Fa'ke emerged with a heavy heart, her spirit weighed down by recent setbacks in both love and career. Learning that Shi Fa'ke had not been appointed Chief Matchmaker, Lu Chi promptly took her out for a drink to lift her spirits. There, Lu Chi offered her a rare and sweet fruit wine called Xiao Lan Gan, aged for three years in honey. Though Shi Fa'ke admitted to having a low tolerance, she found the wine delicious.
As the alcohol took hold, Shi Fa'ke became playfully intoxicated, calling Lu Chi her "big moon" and asking him to pluck it for her. She then candidly praised his handsomeness before boldly kissing him and falling asleep in his arms. Lu Chi gently carried her back to her room and tucked her safely into bed before leaving. The following morning at the Official Matchmaking Agency, a new era began.
Fang Yue, the newly appointed Chief Matchmaker, announced a significant change: daily roll calls and instructions were no longer mandatory. She encouraged everyone to utilize that time to focus on their matchmaking cases, asserting that this would both help lovers find happiness and increase the matchmakers' salaries. She generously distributed profiles of unmarried men and women, sharing client resources that the previous Chief Matchmaker, Miss Deng, had kept to herself.
Her progressive approach was widely appreciated, marking a refreshing departure from past practices. Later, Lu Chi took Shi Fa'ke to Flower House to watch a performance by the renowned Young Master Qiujiang. Shi Fa'ke, whose mood had significantly improved thanks to Fang Yue's leadership, praised Fang Yue's diligent and effective management, noting how the agency was thriving under her.
During the captivating performance, Shi Fa'ke enthusiastically lauded Young Master Qiujiang's handsome looks, noble character, and refined manners, even wondering aloud what kind of young lady he would favor. Observing her admiration, Lu Chi became noticeably upset and decided it was time to leave. Shi Fa'ke playfully accused him of jealousy, which he admitted.
She then reassured him that he was the most handsome in her heart and that her only intention was to help Young Master Qiujiang find a match. Back at the Official Matchmaking Agency, a young woman arrived, adamantly insisting she wanted to marry Young Master Qiujiang. Shi Fa'ke gently explained that her successful matches were always based on mutual affection and advised the woman to first understand Qiujiang's interests and habits.
Fang Yue joined in, questioning the young woman's family's knowledge of her intentions and her plans if Qiujiang refused. The woman eventually relented. Shi Fa'ke, noting their effective teamwork, commented on their "tacit understanding" to Fang Yue and remarked that the woman's unrequited love story was strikingly similar to a tale Fang Yue had once shared. Fang Yue, however, quickly departed, citing a busy schedule. Meanwhile, Marquis Wu'an faced severe financial distress, urgently needing one million taels for military pay.
He angrily confronted his subordinate about corruption, eventually learning that the man had used 10,000 taels to bribe officials. Desperate for immediate wealth, Marquis Wu'an inquired about families with vast fortunes, and the subordinate suggested the Cheng family, the royal merchant, known for its immense wealth and single daughter, Cheng Ruoning. Marquis Wu'an resolved to pursue her for marriage.
Shi Fa'ke, having learned of Young Master Qiujiang's fame and his seemingly perfect qualities, took the initiative to visit him at Flower House, recommending herself as his marriage broker. He politely declined, stating he didn't need one and wasn't in a hurry to marry. Shi Fa'ke persisted, asking if he had someone in mind. At that moment, Cheng Ruoning, the owner of Flower House, entered, carrying "today's pear soup" for Young Master Qiujiang. Shi Fa'ke subtly observed their interaction.
After Cheng Ruoning left, Shi Fa'ke, despite Qiujiang's direct refusal, felt a sense of relief, suspecting he already had a sweetheart but was unable to confess his feelings. Driven by this intuition, Shi Fa'ke began to investigate Cheng Ruoning. She observed Cheng Ruoning at Xibao Pavilion, where Li Pan'er revealed Cheng Ruoning was purchasing expensive Yize snow pears, imported from the West, specifically to make pear soup.
Li Pan'er found it peculiar and extravagant, given that the Cheng family had their own businesses and that the Chief of Xibao Pavilion lived far more frugally. Shi Fa'ke connected this to the pear soup Cheng Ruoning had brought Qiujiang, solidifying her suspicions of a deeper connection. As Young Master Qiujiang fell ill and his performances were temporarily canceled, Shi Fa'ke grew more convinced of Cheng Ruoning's affection.
At Flower House, Cheng Ruoning stepped forward to address the upset audience, announcing a double refund for all tickets and personally taking full financial responsibility for the losses. She emphasized Qiujiang's health as the top priority, highlighting his tireless contributions and her commitment to his recovery.
Shi Fa'ke shared her observations with a colleague, explaining that Cheng Ruoning's actions – from the pear soup to the expensive pears and the massive refunds – went beyond a simple employer-employee relationship, confirming her matchmaker's intuition. Later, Fang Yue made another attempt to persuade Cheng Ruoning regarding marriage.
Fang Yue demonstrated a surprising depth of knowledge about Cheng Ruoning's past struggles, including the early demise of her parents and the relentless pressures from "wolf relatives" circling her family's vast estate. Fang Yue suggested that Cheng Ruoning needed a strong, responsible partner to help manage her business and provide protection, proposing Marquis Wu'an as a suitable match, highlighting his noble status, self-discipline, and ability to safeguard her and her family.
Cheng Ruoning, while acknowledging Fang Yue's apparent admiration for the Marquis, reiterated her unwavering resolve to marry only the person she loved. Undeterred, Shi Fa'ke continued to observe Cheng Ruoning. She noticed Cheng Ruoning procuring expensive medicinal herbs, disregarding their cost, for Qiujiang's throat ailment, even though the doctor advised the patient's presence. Cheng Ruoning's manager expressed concerns about the mounting financial losses from double refunds and medical expenses.
However, Cheng Ruoning stood firm, insisting that Qiujiang would not perform again until his throat was fully recovered, regardless of the financial implications for Flower House. She affirmed her loyalty to him, citing his steadfast commitment to the establishment over the years. Convinced by Cheng Ruoning's actions and steadfastness, Shi Fa'ke directly asked her if Young Master Qiujiang was the man in her heart.
Cheng Ruoning admitted he was, but sadly confessed it was a "one-sided affection," as he had repeatedly rejected her confessions. She had resigned herself to merely remaining close to him. Shi Fa'ke encouraged her not to give up hope, promising to ascertain Young Master Qiujiang's true feelings. Cheng Ruoning, in turn, vowed that if he truly didn't love her, she would "stay single for the rest of my life."
Shi Fa'ke then visited Young Master Qiujiang at his surprisingly humble dwelling, noting its stark contrast to his widespread fame and wealth. She deduced that he must be saving money for a specific purpose. Confronting him, Shi Fa'ke stated that Cheng Ruoning's kindness was "true love" and revealed Cheng Ruoning's vow to remain single if he didn't reciprocate her feelings.
Young Master Qiujiang then admitted his own affection for Cheng Ruoning but cited his identity as an actor as a barrier, believing he was "not worthy of her." He explained his fear that being with him would subject her to "gossip" and a "hard life," and that she deserved to protect her family's wealth and marry a respected individual, rather than living an anonymous or exiled life with him.
Shi Fa'ke pointed out that his frugal lifestyle and hidden desire to take her away proved his true feelings. Despite her urging to ask Cheng Ruoning if she would be willing to run away with him, he remained resolute in his decision. Returning to Cheng Ruoning, Shi Fa'ke joyfully declared that Young Master Qiujiang did indeed love her and that they were "in love with each other."
She explained that his refusal stemmed from his selfless desire to spare her from hardship and public scrutiny. Shi Fa'ke firmly asserted that because they were genuinely in love, she was determined to see this match through. She then informed Fang Yue about her progress on Cheng Ruoning's case, confirming that Cheng Ruoning and Young Master Qiujiang were mutually enamored. Meanwhile, Marquis Wu'an pressured Fang Yue for an update on Cheng Ruoning.
Upon learning that Cheng Ruoning already had a sweetheart and had entrusted her marriage affairs to Shi Fa'ke, Marquis Wu'an became enraged, berating Fang Yue for her supposed incompetence. He fiercely demanded that Fang Yue secure Cheng Ruoning's hand in marriage by any means necessary, emphasizing the vast importance of the Cheng family's wealth to his "great cause." Fang Yue reluctantly agreed to deliver his Information Card to Cheng Ruoning's mansion.
Later, Fang Yue encountered Shi Fa'ke again, coincidentally at Cheng Ruoning's residence. Fang Yue delivered Marquis Wu'an's formal proposal, along with his Information Card, to Cheng Ruoning. Cheng Ruoning expressed her surprise at Fang Yue's relentless persistence, to which Fang Yue responded with a veiled warning that "some people just can't be refused."
