Count Your Lucky Stars Episode 32 Recap
> Count Your Lucky Stars Recap
Tong's father shared his savings account password with Xiaoyou, explaining that his recent illness made him realize the unpredictability of life. He also revealed he had secretly set up a fixed-term investment for her, encouraging her to manage her finances wisely. Handing her a recipe book filled with her favorite dishes, he urged her to learn to cook and eat well, even when alone.
He mentioned having frozen beef and carrot dumplings for her and arranged for daily milk deliveries to ensure she gets enough calcium, always worrying about her forgetfulness. He assured her he would no longer object to her pursuing design and asked her to visit her mother often, as they would always be a loving family.
Xiaoyou, deeply moved, pleaded with him not to speak as if he wouldn't recover, assuring him the surgery would be successful and she would never worry him again. Lu Xingcheng, witnessing this heartfelt conversation, was visibly emotional. Upon returning to the hospital room, Tong's mother immediately began to scold Tong's father for leaving the hospital, saying she was worried sick. Tong's father, in turn, philosophically remarked that life and death are like nature's breath, which only fueled his wife's complaints.
Xiaoyou interjected, asking her mother to ease up as her father was still sick. Lu Xingcheng diffused the tension by agreeing that running around while ill was not advisable and suggested Tong's father must be hungry. Tong's father requested millet porridge, and his wife and daughter rushed off to get it. With them gone, Tong's father had a private moment with Lu Xingcheng.
Meanwhile, Tong's mother comforted a guilt-ridden Xiaoyou, explaining that her father's initial opposition to her design career stemmed from a fear of her suffering and his inability to protect her. She also expressed pride in Xiaoyou's persistence and dedication to design. Tong's father then sincerely thanked Lu Xingcheng for his thoughtful presence by Xiaoyou's side. Lu Xingcheng expressed his gratitude for meeting their family, confessing that he had never understood the depth of a father's love until then.
Tong's father, sensing Lu Xingcheng's own difficult past, wished for more time to get to know him, noting their good rapport. Lu Xingcheng remained optimistic, looking forward to more home-cooked meals. With a heavy heart, Tong's father then entrusted Xiaoyou to Lu Xingcheng's care, asking him to look after her if anything were to happen. Lu Xingcheng, though tearful, accepted the responsibility, assuring him he would recover. Elsewhere, Lu Ren remained busy.
Lu Yanzhi brought him soup prepared by Xiaoyou, prompting Lu Ren to invite him to discuss his designs. Lu Ren recalled Lu Yanzhi's past preference for fabric design and questioned his renewed dedication to the Fashion Cup. Lu Yanzhi admitted his motivation was his love for Xiaoyou, but worried if this personal reason dishonored the art of design.
Lu Ren reassured him, explaining that love is often the starting point for many designers, citing himself, Lu Xingcheng, and even Xiaoyou as examples. Lu Yanzhi then apologized for past harsh words, and Lu Ren accepted, expressing anticipation for his son's work and asking him to thank Xiaoyou for the soup. Lu Yanzhi was overjoyed, recognizing this as the first time his father had truly shown him warmth and expectation.
Inspired by her father's love, Xiaoyou's design sketches gained a newfound warmth. At the Players’ village, Lu Yanzhi waited for Xiaoyou. When she arrived, he asked for ten seconds of her time. Before she could react, he gently embraced her, and memories of their first meeting and shared moments flashed through their minds. After ten seconds, Lu Yanzhi released her, stating he now had his answer. He then asked if they could still be friends, to which Xiaoyou readily agreed.
Lu Yanzhi thanked her, promising to maintain a respectful distance in the future so as not to cause her difficulty, but vowed to always be there for her if she ever needed him. Later, at the competition, Lu Xingcheng noticed Xiaoyou gazing at Lu Yanzhi and subtly diverted her attention. Mu Yang announced the "father" themed design deadline for the next morning, also mentioning Xiaoyou's father's upcoming surgery and extending best wishes.
Concerned about their work, Mu Yang asked Lu Xingcheng and Xiaoyou about their progress; both confirmed their designs were on track. Lu Xingcheng told Xiaoyou they would visit her father at the hospital immediately after submitting their finished garments the next day. As other contestants diligently worked, Xiaoyou became increasingly anxious about her father's surgery. Lu Xingcheng comforted her, reiterating that the specialist he found had a very high success rate.
However, Xiaoyou confessed her fear that her own bad luck might somehow affect her father. Lu Xingcheng, calling her silly, dismissed her worries and, believing in the power of luck, kissed her to transfer his good fortune to her. After submitting her design, Xiaoyou went to the hospital. Meanwhile, Jiang Yan approached Lu Yanzhi, complimenting his design and proposing they become friends, given her affection for Lu Xingcheng and his for Xiaoyou.
Lu Yanzhi, however, coolly suggested they discuss fabric instead. He then revealed that he had confirmed Jiang Yan had edited and published the article that implicated Yange in a fabric scandal, nearly causing its downfall. Jiang Yan, flustered but defiant, asserted she was not in the wrong as the fabric indeed had issues. While acknowledging the fabric problem, Lu Yanzhi condemned Jiang Yan for framing Lu Xingcheng and deliberately attempting to sow discord between him and Xiaoyou.
Jiang Yan, still jealous, questioned why they were all so fond of Xiaoyou. Lu Yanzhi stated he understood her feelings for Lu Xingcheng but disapproved of her actions, advising her to gracefully give up, as Lu Xingcheng and Xiaoyou were inseparable. Jiang Yan retorted, dismissing his advice as coming from a "failure."
Tong's father was wheeled into the operating room, with Xiaoyou and her mother offering tearful encouragement, promising to cook all his favorite dishes and peel apples for him when he recovered. During the long and anxious wait, Lu Xingcheng comforted a distraught Xiaoyou, reminding her of her father's hope to see her succeed. At the competition site, Lu Ren was seen intently observing the submitted designs, pausing for a significant moment at Lu Yanzhi's work.
Finally, the doctor emerged to announce that Tong's father's surgery was a complete success. Overjoyed, Xiaoyou, her mother, and Lu Xingcheng embraced. Relieved and confident, Xiaoyou declared her renewed determination to not only compete but to win the entire competition. She also asked Lu Xingcheng to thank Daly for all his help. When Lu Xingcheng explained Daly's good nature and importance to Xiaoyou, she playfully asked about her own importance to him.
After some playful teasing, Lu Xingcheng confessed that she was also very important to him. Later, the results for the 8-to-4 Fashion Cup round were announced. Lu Xingcheng, Qi Xing, Jiang Yan, and Tong Xiaoyou advanced, while Lu Yanzhi was eliminated. Mu Yang then announced that the theme for the next round would be "Love." Following the announcement, Lu Ren approached Lu Yanzhi, who was disheartened by his elimination, feeling he had once again disappointed his father.
However, Lu Ren surprised him by praising the excellent fabric choice in his design and asked if he could keep the garment. Overwhelmed with emotion, Lu Yanzhi embraced his father, realizing this was the first time his father had truly acknowledged and approved of his work. Back at the living quarters, Xiaoyou was making sticky rice dates again. Lu Xingcheng inquired about Lu Yanzhi, who Xiaoyou said was busy.
Xiaoyou then informed Lu Xingcheng that the next competition theme was "Love" and asked if Lu Ren's supportive words to Lu Yanzhi were true, which he confirmed. Qi Xing expressed disappointment that Lu Yanzhi wouldn't be competing against Lu Xingcheng in the finals. Xiaoyou then teased Lu Xingcheng, asking if he was curious about the final theme, despite knowing he'd get the information from her. Lu Xingcheng trusted her not to win unfairly.
Once the sticky rice dates were ready, Xiaoyou offered them to Lu Yanzhi, playfully asking if the taste was "right" this time, a reference to his previous criticisms. Instead of critiquing, Lu Yanzhi silently embraced her and remarked that he hadn't tasted that flavor in a long time, indicating his affection. Just as they shared this intimate moment, Lu Ren walked into the dining area for a cup of coffee.
