Better Halves Episode 17 Recap
> Better Halves Recap
Shi Fa'ke confronted Fang Yue upon learning she was acting as the marriage broker for Marquis Wu'an's pursuit of Cheng Ruoning. Shi Fa'ke questioned why Fang Yue would get involved, as Cheng Ruoning already had a beloved and had entrusted her marriage to Shi Fa'ke. Fang Yue defended her actions, stating she was professionally hired by the Marquis and that agency rules allowed for multiple matchmakers to work for a client, advocating for collaboration to secure successful matches.
Shi Fa'ke insisted that Marquis Wu'an, whose character she questioned, was an unsuitable match. Fang Yue countered that matchmakers must be impartial and that the Marquis's status was a perfect match for Cheng Ruoning's. Undeterred, Shi Fa'ke vowed to honor Cheng Ruoning's wishes and unite her with the person she truly loved. Marquis Wu'an sent his steward to summon Cheng Ruoning to his residence, but she firmly declined.
The steward then subtly threatened her by suggesting they could invite her "close associates" instead. That night, Cheng Ruoning gave Young Master Qiujiang a large sum of money and coldly instructed him to leave the capital immediately and never perform again. Feigning a change of heart, she claimed she was marrying a powerful man to restore her family's fortune and that his presence would jeopardize the union.
Though hurt and confused, Young Master Qiujiang refused the money and agreed to leave, urging her to take care of herself. Meanwhile, observing a painting depicting poverty, Lu Chi deduced that "poverty breeds change" and recalled that Marquis Wu'an was pursuing Shi Fa'ke's client, Cheng Ruoning. Realizing this put Shi Fa'ke in danger, Lu Chi resolved to stay by her side constantly for her protection. The next morning, Lu Chi accompanied Shi Fa'ke.
They encountered Young Master Qiujiang, who revealed he was leaving the capital at Cheng Ruoning's request. Bewildered, as the couple had waited a decade for each other, Shi Fa'ke rushed to Cheng Ruoning's residence. Under pressure, Cheng Ruoning admitted she was being coerced by someone too powerful for them to handle and had sent Qiujiang away for his safety.
Shi Fa'ke surmised Marquis Wu'an was behind it and warned that he was not a kind man and Qiujiang would remain in danger even if he left. Moved by Shi Fa'ke's sincerity, Cheng Ruoning instructed her staff that Shi Fa'ke was to be admitted immediately upon arrival from then on. Lu Chi helped Shi Fa'ke pursue and intercept Young Master Qiujiang. Shi Fa'ke explained that Cheng Ruoning had been coerced by Marquis Wu'an into sending him away.
Realizing he had misunderstood, Young Master Qiujiang refused to leave, declaring he would face the danger with Cheng Ruoning, even if it meant death. Lu Chi then arranged for safe, temporary lodging for him. The Marquis's steward again threatened Cheng Ruoning, who defiantly agreed to meet his master. At the Marquis's residence, he expressed his desire to marry her, promising protection and a life of leisure. Cheng Ruoning accused him of being interested only in her family's fortune.
The Marquis then overtly threatened her, stating he would have Fang Yue propose soon and that he could either ask for her hand or take her by force. Overwhelmed upon returning home, Cheng Ruoning attempted to hang herself. Just in time, Shi Fa'ke, who had come to check on her after ensuring Young Master Qiujiang was safely hidden, rushed in and stopped her.
Shi Fa'ke pleaded with her not to give up, reminding her that Qiujiang had vowed he would rather die than be separated from her. Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi discussed the dire situation, with Lu Chi suggesting the only way was to make the Marquis retreat willingly. This gave Shi Fa'ke an idea.
She ordered 300 wedding cakes from He Kexian's bakery and had flyers distributed announcing that Cheng Ruoning would host a public suitor selection contest at the Flower House. The news generated immense excitement, with many men signing up. The event also boosted business at He Kexian's bakery. Shi Fa'ke then recruited He Kexian to participate as a contestant, clarifying it was just for show to help Cheng Ruoning.
She revealed she had also signed up Lu Chi, calling them both her "secret weapons." He Kexian agreed, and Shi Fa'ke informed a willing Lu Chi of his role. On the day of the contest, a large crowd gathered as Marquis Wu'an arrived, confident of victory. Shi Fa'ke, as host, introduced the four finalists: Lu Chi, Marquis Wu'an, He Kexian, and, to everyone's surprise, Young Master Qiujiang.
She set the criteria for Cheng Ruoning's ideal partner—someone educated, caring, and family-oriented, stressing that wealth was secondary. She then announced a three-round, point-based competition, with the rule that anyone who quit mid-contest would be disqualified. In the first round (arts), Lu Chi's vibrant painting earned three points. The Marquis's calligraphy, though skillful, was deemed too political for a domestic partnership and received two points. Young Master Qiujiang's zither performance earned one point, while He Kexian scored zero.
In the second round (culinary skills), the Marquis refused to participate, forfeiting his points. He Kexian's exquisite pastries won three points, Young Master Qiujiang's "homey" dishes earned two, and Lu Chi received one, as his dish was tailored to Shi Fa'ke's taste. The final round, "Mind Reading," required guessing Cheng Ruoning's favorite opera lyric. Young Master Qiujiang answered perfectly, earning three points. With a total of six points, Young Master Qiujiang was declared the winner.
As Shi Fa'ke prepared to finalize the marriage contract, Marquis Wu'an furiously intervened, threatening the couple with "separation by life and death." Undeterred, Qiujiang declared his lifelong devotion. When the Marquis called for his guards, Shi Fa'ke publicly shamed him for his lack of sportsmanship. Facing the disapproving crowd, the Marquis was forced to retreat, but not before issuing a final, ominous threat to Shi Fa'ke.
