Better Halves Episode 20 Recap
> Better Halves Recap
Shi Fa'ke informed her family of her intention to exchange Information Cards for her eldest brother, Shi Xianxian, and Li Pan'er, to formally set their engagement. Her parents and brothers readily agreed, expressing their joy for Xianxian and reminding him to be a considerate husband. With their blessing, Shi Fa'ke, accompanied by Yan Qiyue, visited Xibao Pavilion. Li Pan'er, happy to receive Shi Xianxian's Information Card, eagerly provided her own, thus solidifying the engagement.
Shi Fa'ke then explained the elaborate marriage customs of the capital, which involve not just the exchange of Information Cards, but also compatibility assessments, betrothal ceremonies, and date choosing. After the exchange, they encountered Lu Chi. He invited Shi Fa'ke and Yan Qiyue upstairs to admire his collection of Mr. Lin Yuan's paintings. Yan Qiyue, captivated by the exquisite meaning in each piece and noticing similarities in the brushstrokes, became convinced that Lu Chi was the famous Mr. Lin Yuan.
Despite Lu Chi's repeated denials, Yan Qiyue persisted, even revealing her true female identity to him, much to Shi Fa'ke's surprise and discomfort. Shi Fa'ke quickly intervened, urging Yan Qiyue to leave. Back home, Shi Fa'ke tried to convince Yan Qiyue that it was hasty to assume Lu Chi was Mr. Lin Yuan based solely on his painting style, especially since many artists imitated the master.
Shi Fa'ke was also distressed because Lu Chi was her own beloved, and she did not want Yan Qiyue to pursue him. Yan Qiyue, however, reminded Shi Fa'ke of her promise to help her find Mr. Lin Yuan, expressing her long and arduous journey to the capital for this very purpose and asserting her right to pursue her newfound connection. Meanwhile, Shi Fa'ke's brothers, Shi Xianxian and Shi Chongshan, noticed her recent melancholy.
Misunderstanding the situation, they incorrectly assumed that one of Shi Fa'ke's female friends was in love with Lu Chi. Concerned for their sister, they went to Xibao Pavilion to inform Lu Chi. Lu Chi, in turn, reassured them that he would handle the misunderstanding and prevent Shi Fa'ke from worrying. That night, Lu Chi visited Shi Fa'ke in her room, assuring her that regardless of whether he was Mr. Lin Yuan, his heart and love belonged solely to her.
Shi Fa'ke, deeply moved, vowed not to give him up. To help Yan Qiyue let go of her infatuation, Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi devised a plan. Lu Chi painted several masterful imitations of Mr. Lin Yuan's works, which Shi Fa'ke presented to Yan Qiyue as "new works." Yan Qiyue, unable to distinguish the fakes from genuine pieces, insisted that they were all Mr. Lin Yuan's.
Shi Fa'ke then gently explained that true love should not be based on a person's reputation or artistic style alone, but on their true self and the connection felt in real interactions. She encouraged Yan Qiyue to think about what she truly wanted, reminding her that she had seen Lu Chi many times without developing special feelings for him. Yan Qiyue began to reflect on Shi Fa'ke's words, admitting that perhaps she should re-evaluate her desires.
At the same time, Marquis Wu'an continued his efforts to marry Princess Gaoyou, even resorting to high-priced acquisitions of Mr. Lin Yuan's paintings, a move that concerned his subordinates due to financial constraints. The Emperor, disguised as Mr. Huang, was also keeping a close eye on the Marquis's activities and noted his recent frequent departures from the palace. Yan Qiyue encountered the Emperor again, and they shared a pleasant conversation over snacks, indicating a growing connection.
Separately, Shi Chongshan visited He Ketian at He's Bakery. He Ketian, initially happy to see him, became upset when Shi Chongshan expressed approval of Shi Fa'ke's feelings for Lu Chi. She quickly dismissed him, wanting to prioritize her brother He Kexian's desire to marry Shi Fa'ke, as He Kexian was deeply in love with Shi Fa'ke. He Kexian, encouraged by his sister to confess his feelings and not give up, decided to propose marriage.
He Kexian, accompanied by He Ketian, visited the Shi family mansion. He openly expressed his admiration and love for Shi Fa'ke to her parents, stating his desire to care for her for life. While the parents expressed their trust in He Kexian and acknowledged his good qualities, they maintained that the decision ultimately rested with Shi Fa'ke. Just as Shi Fa'ke was about to go downstairs to clarify her feelings, she received a ticket to "Jiangning's Dream."
Realizing that an immediate rejection might embarrass He Kexian, and also hoping to use the play to help Yan Qiyue gain some perspective, she decided to attend the play with Yan Qiyue first, hoping to find a better way to explain herself to He Kexian later. During the play, which depicted a love story between a performer and a fan, Yan Qiyue wondered why the character could marry her beloved while she could not marry Mr. Lin Yuan.
After the performance, Shi Fa'ke went to He's Bakery to meet He Kexian. She gently but firmly rejected his proposal, explaining that while she cherished him as a brother, she had no other romantic feelings for him. She expressed hope that he would find someone who truly loved him and whom he could genuinely love in return. Meanwhile, after leaving the play, Yan Qiyue was accosted by a group of ruffians.
Fortunately, the Emperor, still in his disguise as Mr. Huang, appeared and bravely intervened, driving off the attackers and saving Yan Qiyue. They shared a brief, polite exchange before parting ways. News of Mr. Lin Yuan's upcoming art exhibition in the capital spread rapidly, surprising Lu Chi, who was the true Mr. Lin Yuan.
Yan Qiyue, however, was ecstatic about the news and rushed to tell Shi Fa'ke, believing it to be a sign of her destiny with Mr. Lin Yuan. On the day of the exhibition, Yan Qiyue eagerly attended and once again encountered the Emperor. They admired the paintings together, engaging in a deep discussion about the artist's style and intentions, further strengthening their connection.
Later, the Emperor met with his Senior, revealing his true identity and mission to eradicate his uncle's corrupt faction. He also mentioned that he had come to the capital to find a little girl who had saved his life when they were children, and he confirmed that he had found her.
