Dating in the Kitchen Episode 18 Recap
> Dating in the Kitchen Recap
When Lu Jin on this side heard about Gu Shengnan, he couldn't sit still anymore, unsure whom to blame; Li Man's liking him was not wrong either. A plane departed that night, carrying Lu Jin's eagerness to return home. In the hospital, Grandfather summoned Cheng Ziqian, expressing his support and hoping he could become Gu Shengnan's reliance.
So Cheng Ziqian submitted the private chef proposal to Gu Shengnan, hoping to help him fulfill his future wishes and asking Gu Shengnan to consider it. The result was obvious: Gu Shengnan's refusal was subtle yet resolute. She said she would definitely return the medical expenses to Cheng Ziqian. Gu Shengnan sat in the hospital corridor, her expression blank. In a trance, she seemed to see Lu Jin. Lu Jin was also anxiously looking for her.
Their eyes met, and they immediately embraced. The embrace Gu Shengnan had longed for was now within her reach. Sinking into Lu Jin's embrace, she felt him caress her hair. Just as she was nestled against him, Chairwoman Zheng Hong's words echoed in her ears: Is it really okay as long as Lu Jin is happy with her? Gu Shengnan withdrew from his embrace and quickly apologized.
Lu Jin, however, generously said his entire body was a tissue for her crying nose. Outside the hospital, Gu Shengnan put up her indifferent facade, expressing her anger towards Lu Jin with little emotion. Lu Jin immediately picked her up horizontally, intending to take her home. He apologized to Gu Shengnan, saying he was very sorry he wasn't there when Grandfather was sick, and very sorry he was away for work during such difficult days.
All her grievances felt ten times worse when someone responded to them than when she toughs it out herself. Although late, he still returned. Gu Shengnan suddenly remembered the Chu-Han contention analogy Chairwoman Zheng Hong had mentioned, and she asked Lu Jin about it. Lu Jin believed that the winner is king and the loser is outcast, which is understandable. He would probably choose Liu Bang.
Although she knew Lu Jin didn't understand why she was asking, at this crucial moment, Chairwoman Zheng Hong's analogy was once again validated, and the slightly touched feelings Gu Shengnan had just had were dashed back into the cold depths. The old uncle's visitors were increasing daily. Just as he was peeling an apple for Grandfather, Lu Jin pulled him aside to analyze the situation.
Why was Gu Shengnan so strange, why was she deliberately being distant to him, and why did he, as Gu Shengnan's boyfriend, know nothing about such a big matter as Grandfather being sick? After the old uncle's analysis, he thoroughly explained Gu Shengnan inside and out. It was because of Gu Shengnan's self-esteem, because she loved him and didn't want to burden him, and because Gu Shengnan lacked a sense of security.
Lu Jin's mind was suddenly enlightened, and he left full of confidence, happily forgetting to pay for the drinks. After seeing Lu Jin off, Gu Shengnan instinctively showed up. The old uncle, like a matchmaker, helped Gu Shengnan analyze things again. The troubled Gu Shengnan began to question herself, asking, "Do I really not deserve Lu Jin?"
She was hoping the old uncle would say comforting words, but he did the opposite, advising her to break up rather than stay together. Gu Shennan became even more distressed. She liked Lu Jin so much, but the distance between them was so great, and no matter how hard she tried, she didn't feel she was good enough for him. The old uncle, however, said distance creates beauty.
Gu Shengnan then asked the old uncle if she would hold Lu Jin back. The old uncle said she didn't even deserve to hold Lu Jin back. It sounded like he was looking down on her, but Gu Shengnan was extremely happy after hearing it. Lu Jin was pushing his luggage, preparing to go find Gu Shengnan, when Chairwoman Zheng Hong stopped him.
With an air of wanting to control her son, Lu Jin counter-questioned her about everything she had done. Did she ask Gu Shengnan the story of Xiang Yu and Concubine Yu, or did she imply to Gu Shennan that she was Concubine Yu and simply didn't deserve Lu Jin? It seemed she had done all of these things. Zheng Hong insisted on stopping Lu Jin, repeatedly emphasizing that being emotional at work would lead to utter failure sooner or later.
Lu Jin politely agreed with her, but he said he didn't want to become a machine that only knew how to work, and even less did he want to live without Gu Shengnan. Cheng Ziqian left to study abroad for further education. He left letters for Grandfather and Gu Shengnan, hoping they would both take good care of themselves. Lu Jin appeared in Grandfather's ward.
Grandfather deliberately made things difficult for Lu Jin, saying the gifts and tonic soup he brought weren't suitable. He asked Lu Jin to move and rearrange chairs and vases, and after a lot of fuss, told him to put everything back in its original place. After visiting Grandfather, Lu Jin went to the food stall to find Gu Shengnan. To spend time with Gu Shengnan, he was willing to help out.
For the first time, the big boss tied on an apron to peel potatoes and devein shrimp, for the first time, he served dishes and opened drinks for customers, and for the first time, he wiped down greasy tables and stoves. It was also the first time he served the entire food stall by himself, serving no one.
Gu Shengnan, however, said that if he wanted to have a date with her, the food stall had to be full within half an hour. So, in less than half an hour, the food stall was filled with employees from Zheng Hong, all in suits and ties, sitting stiffly and emotionlessly. Lu Jin felt a wave of embarrassment and cursed Meng Xinjie's terrible efficiency. Gu Shengnan didn't mind, she just cooked as much as there were people.
These office workers were extremely obedient. If Lu Jin told them to eat, they ate; if he told them to talk, they talked. When Lu Jin asked if it wasn't tasty, they all replied loudly in unison, "Delicious!" The scene was strange but funny. As soon as Grandfather heard Aunt Wang describe Lu Jin's performance, he immediately ordered someone to bring his family heirloom spatula. Lu Jin stood in the ward holding the pot and spatula with one hand, as if standing in punishment.
