Dear Diary Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Dear Diary Synopsis
Chen Meiru is a 24-year-old network information inspector with a solitary and eccentric temperament.
On her birthday, her only best friend, Jiang Huizhen makes a big birthday party for her, and that night she is haunted by a man in an ancient Babylonian costume – who calls himself a prince and was born to love her.
Chen Meiru thought it was a prank until the “prince” called her name.
Chen Meiru is forced to pick up the memories of her teenage years – the handsome half-blood prince, who loves her. The beautiful princess, the best friend of the prince, are all characters she made up in her diary when she was 12 years old.
The plot in the diary is dramatic and childish, but now these three people appear in her life…
Dear Diary Recap
Episode 1 Recap
At the end of summer when she was 12 years old, Chen Meiru's imagination blossomed, and she began to fantasize about her very own prince charming, firmly believing he would one day arrive. This newfound romantic idealism deepened during a school trip to a museum showcasing ancient Babylonian civilization.
There, she was captivated by its rich history, the renowned Hammurabi's Code, and tales of young girls who inscribed heartfelt love stories in cuneiform, convinced that under the mystical blood moon, their earnest words could manifest their fantasies into reality. During her visit, a small boy named Chen Jin Xin, steadied her when she was jostled in a crowd, leaving a lasting impression on Meiru.
Later, she poured her feelings into her diary, expressing profound awe for Babylon and a secret longing to be part of such a legend. She imagined herself as a Babylonian maiden, patiently awaiting the arrival of a mixed-race prince—a formidable warrior, adored by all, whose heroic exploits surpassed even those of the chief guard. Despite the king's potential disdain for his mixed heritage, the prince's valor captivated all, leading many to believe he was divinely destined to rule.
Meiru, however, felt too young for love at 12 and decided to defer her romantic aspirations until her 24th birthday, believing it would be the perfect moment for her prince to appear, making her the center of everyone's admiration. Years later, on September 21, 2019, 24-year-old Chen Meiru was a diligent content moderator at a technology company in Yuzhou.
Her day began with her immediately confronting a security guard reading an inappropriate magazine, swiftly tearing off the explicit pages, citing them as non-compliant. She then, with her sharp attention to detail, pointed out his grimy cup and a hole in his sock, suggesting toothpaste for cleaning. In a team meeting, Meiru efficiently led her colleagues in addressing a surge of obscene online content caused by a "massive data attack" and "malicious uploads."
She elevated the filtering protocol to Level 5 manual inspection, emphasizing that "slowness is the biggest taboo" and mandating direct account termination for repeat offenders, resulting in the removal of hundreds of illegal images and videos and the shutdown of numerous live streams. Meanwhile, her best friend, Jiang Hui Zhen, was meticulously preparing a surprise birthday party for Meiru, even arranging for "Korean and British hot guys," though a "biracial guy" was delayed in traffic.
However, Meiru, exhausted from working three overnight shifts, was reluctant to celebrate. While talking to Jiang Hui Zhen on the phone in the restroom, Meiru overheard an influencer, Gigi the Pink Lady, live-streaming nearby. Gigi complained about having to pay penalties to Meiru's company, lambasting their strict moderation as the actions of "lonely," "unloved," and "dreamless" individuals. This critique deeply resonated with Meiru, stirring up her childhood dream of a princely encounter on her 24th birthday.
Upon returning to her office, Meiru, still contemplating Gigi's "ghost" remark, sensed a presence behind her. Instinctively grabbing her "Pervert Repellent" pepper spray, she accidentally sprayed her boss, who had been hiding to surprise her with a cake. Cake-faced, the boss, along with the cheering colleagues, wished her a happy birthday.
Despite her discomfort when her boss tried to get close during a group photo, he insisted they all join Meiru and Jiang Hui Zhen at the "Love Bar" on Guang'an Road for further celebrations. At the "Love Bar," Jiang Hui Zhen had orchestrated a vibrant celebration with dancing men. Meiru, however, was visibly uncomfortable with Jiang Hui Zhen's revealing attire and the provocative performances, a stark contrast to her professional sensibilities.
Despite her discomfort, she was constantly urged to drink, forcing her to feign enjoyment until she could escape to the restroom. There, she called Jiang Hui Zhen, venting her unhappiness with the party and her exhaustion. Jiang Hui Zhen, in turn, chided Meiru for her emotionally detached, "nun-like" existence, highlighting her inability to express joy at weddings or sorrow at funerals, and her relentless pursuit of self-control.
Nevertheless, Jiang Hui Zhen promised to let Meiru leave after the midnight candle-blowing, suggesting she use the back exit. As the countdown reached midnight, Meiru blew out her birthday candles, a cherished childhood dream echoing in her mind: her prince celebrating her 24th birthday. Suddenly, a loud crash startled everyone. A man in ancient Babylonian attire burst into the bar.
He dramatically declared himself "Chen Meiru's prince," and despite her protests and cries of "dirty" and "shameless," he kissed her forcefully. He then asserted, "It is your destiny to be with me," warned of impending danger, and, as Meiru screamed, believing it was just another one of Jiang Hui Zhen's elaborate "pranks," carried her away. Meanwhile, Jiang Hui Zhen awoke to find the chief guard from Meiru's fantasy by her side.
He promised to fulfill all her dreams, revealing he had purchased the entire bar for her. Jiang Hui Zhen, still hazy from alcohol, dismissed their encounter as a drunken indiscretion, claiming she didn't remember kissing him first. He, however, insisted it was destiny and that his "unparalleled" wealth, enough to "buy a country," would make all her dreams come true.
Jiang Hui Zhen, skeptical of his "rich guy's son" claims, tried to leave, but he corrected her, stating he was a "top-tier billionaire." The following morning, Meiru was jolted awake by a loud argument outside her apartment. Opening the door, she found Murong Jielun, the man in Babylonian attire, now identified, brandishing a sharp sword, the Deborah Sword, at a neighborhood residents' committee madam. The madam was demanding compensation for the emotional distress he had caused.
Meiru, disoriented, denied any connection to Murong Jielun and called him "obsessive," but he insisted she had brought him home. When he implicitly asked if he should spare the madam, Meiru, fearing for the woman's life, affirmed that she should live. During an impromptu negotiation in Meiru's apartment, the madam demanded an apology and monetary compensation. To demonstrate "sincere apology," Murong Jielun dramatically bit his own lip until it bled, much to Meiru's dismay.
For the compensation, he then took Meiru's phone and with his sword, sliced it apart, proceeding to damage other items in her home, including the table and curtains. This extreme display terrified the madam and her companions, who quickly dropped their demands and fled, warning Meiru that her "boyfriend" was "too expensive." Frustrated, Meiru ordered Murong Jielun to leave, but he refused.
He then performed a bizarre act, holding water in his mouth and spitting it out to clean her feet with his sleeves, a strange mirroring of a scene from her fantasy. He declared, "I am willing to be your defeated subordinate. My love for you is unparalleled. It will light up your life. We will create new history." He initially stated his name as Murong Jielun. Confused by his overall demeanor, Meiru asked him to repeat his name, and he affirmed, "I, Murong Jielun, your prince."
Episode 2 Recap
Chen Meiru wrote in her diary about the magical and incredible story of her life, detailing how her charm held a fatal attraction for Prince Murong. She knew that to bear the prince's love, she would also have to endure the hostility of other women. Among them was a princess named Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, who was deeply in love with Murong as well.
This princess possessed extraordinary beauty and the power to control the elements, enough to outshine any other woman, yet she was jealous of Chen Meiru and caused her much suffering. However, Chen Meiru was convinced that Prince Murong was destined to love only her. When a man identifying himself as Murong Jielun appeared, Chen Meiru suspected her diary had been leaked. She initially thought her friend, Jiang Hui Zhen, had hired actors to play a prank.
She then recalled a childhood memory where her Second Aunt, a teacher, had made her read her diary aloud in front of her classmates, leading to public ridicule for her "outrageous pornography" and wishful thinking that Prince Murong would choose her over the stunning Dragon Lady. As Chen Meiru was getting ready to find Jiang Hui Zhen, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady arrived at her apartment complex.
Mistaking it for a prison, she was enraged by Chen Meiru's ordinary appearance and used her powers to conjure a powerful wind that tore open the gate and swept Chen Meiru into the air. Fortunately, Murong Jielun caught Chen Meiru, ensuring not a strand of her hair touched the ground. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, witnessing Murong Jielun's heroic act, immediately declared her love for him, praising his agility and courage.
However, Murong Jielun swiftly rejected her, stating that he would never even look at her, for he was born to love only Chen Meiru for his entire lifetime. Despite Murong Jielun's clear stance, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady continued to pester him, professing her deep, unwavering love. Back inside, Chen Meiru used a spare phone to text Jiang Hui Zhen, still believing the "Murong Jielun" was an actor hired by her friend.
Murong Jielun, overhearing Chen Meiru mention she felt like she had a "fever," insisted she was injured and needed treatment. He attempted to heal her using a cactus from the windowsill and drank water from a fish tank, which only served to infuriate Chen Meiru, prompting her to quickly pack her things and storm out. Chen Meiru arrived at Jiang Hui Zhen's workplace, the Sichuan Opera Troupe, hoping to find her.
The troupe members, all in their elaborate costumes, were practicing, and even Murong Jielun joined in the performance. However, upon seeing a television screen displaying what he perceived as a threat, Murong Jielun drew his sword and chopped the TV to pieces, causing Chen Meiru to pay for the damages. Her hopes that Murong Jielun was a hired actor were dashed when none of the troupe members recognized him.
Later, Chen Meiru went out to eat noodles, but Murong Jielun soon followed. When she offered him some, he proceeded to order and consume twenty bowls of the same noodles, much to Chen Meiru's dismay and financial strain. During this time, Jiang Hui Zhen called back, confirming she had nothing to do with Murong Jielun's appearance. Chen Meiru pressed Murong Jielun for answers about his identity and intentions.
He cryptically responded that everyone knew they, when their love was intense, "went to Wushan." Hearing the name "Wushan" immediately triggered a memory for Chen Meiru; it was the place where she had attended primary school and written her infamous diary. Believing Wushan held the key to understanding the bizarre events, she decided they must go there. They boarded a bus for Wushan, and Murong Jielun became severely carsick during the journey.
Just as they neared Wushan, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady dramatically appeared in front of the bus, causing the driver to slam on the brakes. When she boarded, Chen Meiru, frustrated and desperate, abandoned a pleading Murong Jielun to Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady and quickly disembarked, telling the arriving police officers that she didn't know either of them.
The police, unable to get any identification from Murong Jielun or Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, struggled to handle their eccentric behavior and eventually locked them in a cage meant for wild boars, alongside three internet influencers who had been detained for live-streaming inappropriate content. Inside the cage, Murong Jielun, curious about his new surroundings, cleverly used a shoelace from one of the influencers to break his restraints.
However, he found himself unable to break free from the sturdy cage, only earning ridicule from the guards. Seeing her beloved Murong Jielun's frustration, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady attempted to punish the guards by conjuring heavy rain outside, but the officers inside remained unaffected, joking about wanting hotpot due to the weather. Meanwhile, in Wushan, Chen Meiru, though twenty-four, still felt a tremor of fear at the thought of facing her Second Aunt.
She visited her Second Aunt, who, despite her strict demeanor, proudly introduced Chen Meiru to her students as her most accomplished pupil, praising her writing skills. The reunion quickly turned into a public spectacle as local residents, prompted by Second Aunt, vividly recalled Chen Meiru's childhood "erotic diary." During a private moment, Chen Meiru asked her Second Aunt if anyone had mentioned her diary recently. Her Second Aunt recalled that Duan Shuiliu had brought it up during the Qingming Festival.
She further explained that Duan Shuiliu, who used to follow Chen Meiru around, was now involved in the "Internet influencer economy." At the same time, Duan Shuiliu arrived at the police station, having brought hotpot for the officers. He paid their fines and signed the necessary papers to secure the release of his three internet influencers. The police, assuming Murong Jielun and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady were also part of his group, released them along with the others. Duan Shuiliu, initially preoccupied, happened to glance at Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady as she was released, and was instantly captivated by her, reaching out to take her hand.
Episode 3 Recap
Following the chaotic events at the police station where Murong Jielun and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady were detained, Mei Ru continued to grapple with the bizarre occurrences, suspecting a prank. This suspicion rooted in a childhood memory where she often found solace in writing her diary under a tree. One day, a shoe fell from the tree, and Jiang Hui Zhen, a new transfer student, unexpectedly jumped down.
They quickly became close friends, their bond strengthening as they shared and discussed the imaginative contents of Mei Ru’s diary. The diary detailed Mei Ru's future self at twenty-four, "deeply in love" with her prince, Murong Jielun, with whom she would "go to Wushan." It also introduced Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady as her beautiful but jealous rival, who possessed the power to control wind and rain and tormented Mei Ru.
Mei Ru's Second Aunt, a teacher, had discovered and publicly reprimanded her for these "erotic" writings at only twelve years old, despite Jiang Hui Zhen's attempt to claim responsibility. Nevertheless, some classmates found Mei Ru’s story magical, captivated by the idea that her prince loved only her. Back in the present, Mei Ru called Jiang Hui Zhen, convinced that Duan Shuiliu was orchestrating the recent strange events as retaliation.
Mei Ru believed this was because she had previously shut down several accounts from his "adult industry" company. Jiang Hui Zhen, however, found it hard to believe Duan Shuiliu capable of such an elaborate prank, especially since she suspected he would be too busy to plot such a thing.
Mei Ru further explained that Murong Jielun, whom she thought Duan Shuiliu had sent, was "pretending to be stupid" and had even gotten carsick, ruining what she perceived as a "perfect show." As Mei Ru spoke, distracted and slightly intoxicated, she narrowly avoided being hit by a bus thanks to Murong Jielun's swift intervention.
This close call, coupled with Murong Jielun’s subsequent mention of their fated journey to Wushan from her diary, triggered a sudden teleportation that instantly transported them to the peak of Wushan. Terrified, Mei Ru desperately sought to leave the mountain and warned Murong Jielun to keep his distance. Meanwhile, Duan Shuiliu, who had been obsessed with the name Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady since he was twelve, was astonished to encounter the actual Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady.
Noticing her injured, bare feet, he immediately offered her a pair of influencer's shoes. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, narcissistic and arrogant as described in Mei Ru’s diary, confirmed her power to control wind and rain. She scolded Duan Shuiliu for delaying her and making her miss Murong Jielun, also mentioning Mei Ru had run away. Duan Shuiliu recognized the names and played along, offering comfort and help.
He later tried to entice her to eat some fruit, telling her Chen Mei Ru had eaten it, in an effort to get her to consume something more substantial than what she typically foraged. Later, Ouyang Wen Shan arrived at Jiang Hui Zhen's theater troupe, charming her colleagues with lavish gifts and announcing he would cover all the troupe's expenses.
He flirted with Jiang Hui Zhen, noting a familiar mark on her neck, which visibly flustered her, though she maintained a composed facade. Her colleagues enthusiastically encouraged her to accept Ouyang Wen Shan's affections, highlighting his wealth and qualities. Ouyang Wen Shan reiterated his promise to fulfill all of Jiang Hui Zhen's dreams, pledging financial support for new equipment, props, and international tours for the troupe.
Jiang Hui Zhen, trying to assert her independence, spoke pointedly to a cat, implying that accepting undeserved generosity would lead to trouble and that his "pretentious" displays were off-putting. Undeterred, Ouyang Wen Shan placed a large sum of cash in the cat's bowl, stating that money was only significant when it brought her happiness and that he was serious about caring for her and her surroundings. Softened by his sincerity, Jiang Hui Zhen agreed to see him off.
While on Wushan, Mei Ru was startled to discover Murong Jielun had no shadow, leading her to believe he was not human. Murong Jielun attempted to explain it with natural phenomena like standing in shadows or the sun's movement, but Mei Ru remained convinced he was supernatural. He then read passages from her old diary, including the line about them being "deeply in love" and "going to Wushan." Panicked, Mei Ru screamed for help and fled.
Meanwhile, in Ouyang Wen Shan's car, Jiang Hui Zhen clutched a cat carrier, still tense despite Ouyang Wen Shan's assurances that they were almost there and that she shouldn't think about jumping out. Upon reaching their destination, Jiang Hui Zhen entered a luxurious house filled with women's accessories, cosmetics, and gifts, all prepared specifically for her. Ouyang Wen Shan even carefully preserved the wine bottle from their first meeting.
Still fleeing Murong Jielun, Mei Ru encountered a park ranger, whom she terrified with her tales of a "ghost," causing both to run. She then called Jiang Hui Zhen, explaining her predicament and lamenting that it would take at least two hours for Jiang Hui Zhen to reach her by conventional means. Overhearing this, Ouyang Wen Shan immediately arranged a private helicopter to transport Jiang Hui Zhen to Wushan.
Mei Ru was relieved to see Jiang Hui Zhen arrive by helicopter. As they embraced, Mei Ru urged her friend to quickly escape Murong Jielun. Surprisingly, Ouyang Wen Shan descended from the helicopter and greeted Murong Jielun, revealing they knew each other. Mei Ru then realized that Ouyang Wen Shan was the "bosom friend" and "chief guard" she had written for Murong Jielun in her diary.
Both Mei Ru and Jiang Hui Zhen were struck by the horrifying realization that the diary characters had come to life; this was not a prank but a supernatural phenomenon. Convinced they were in danger and that no one would believe them, they decided they must fight back. They conspired to push Murong Jielun from the helicopter. Mei Ru, attempting to open the door, accidentally fell out herself, taking Murong Jielun with her.
As the helicopter departed, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady appeared, using her powers to create strong winds, intending to bring down the helicopter. Duan Shuiliu, who had been following her, pleaded with her to stop, concerned for Murong Jielun's safety. Realizing her powers were truly real, he ceased his efforts. Duan Shuiliu then rushed back to retrieve Mei Ru's old diary, which he had hidden instead of burning years ago.
He found a passage describing Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's tragic fate: "Sorrowful Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady loses her love at last and lives a lonely life." Duan Shuiliu resolved to change her destiny, attempting to write "Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady falls in love with Duan Shuiliu." However, to his horror, any words he wrote on the mystical diary immediately vanished.
Episode 4 Recap
After Mei Ru and Murong Jielun's unexpected fall from the mountain, the reality of the diary characters became undeniably clear to Mei Ru and Jiang Hui Zhen. Meanwhile, Duan Shuiliu had confirmed that Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady was real and possessed supernatural abilities, leading him to retrieve the hidden diary, though his attempts to alter its contents proved futile.
The next day, Jiang Hui Zhen arrived at Duan Shuiliu's place, urgently asking if he had burned Mei Ru's diary years ago. Duan Shuiliu feigned ignorance, claiming he couldn't recall whether he had burned it to ashes and buried it after Jiang Hui Zhen's mother called her home for dinner. Jiang Hui Zhen suspected he kept it because he harbored feelings for Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, a "fictional character" he had once confessed was his ideal type.
Duan Shuiliu denied this, arguing it was illogical to obsess over a fictional person for twelve years. Jiang Hui Zhen, however, stated that Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady was no longer fictional, and that Murong Jielun and Ouyang Wen Shan were also real. Duan Shuiliu pretended to be surprised, though he secretly acknowledged the increasingly bizarre nature of the world.
Unable to get clear answers from him, Jiang Hui Zhen declared she would seek a master to find a solution, as their lives were at stake. At Mei Ru's home, where she was recovering from her recent fall and feeling weak, Murong Jielun observed her flushed cheeks and rolling eyes, concluding that she was demonically possessed and needed an exorcism. He deemed himself immune to such ailments as a "Prince."
Soon after, Jiang Hui Zhen returned with bags of garlic and candles, explaining she had met an "amazing master" on the way back—Chongqing's Magneto—who turned out to be Mei Ru's Second Uncle. Second Uncle instructed them to set all clocks to midnight, explaining that they needed to speak within a specific time and space.
Jiang Hui Zhen tried to get Murong Jielun and Ouyang Wen Shan to leave, but Murong Jielun only listened when Mei Ru herself commanded him to go. He left his sword behind as he exited with Ouyang Wen Shan. Outside, Ouyang Wen Shan took Murong Jielun to a shopping mall, where he found himself distracted by an underwear advertisement, perceiving the models as challengers.
A saleswoman approached them, and Ouyang Wen Shan convinced Murong Jielun to get a complete modern makeover, including new clothes and a haircut. Murong Jielun, though finding the "fashion" hard to understand, complied for his friend and decided he needed a solid silver basin for Mei Ru's cleansing ritual.
Back at Mei Ru's, Second Uncle clarified that the presence of Murong Jielun, Ouyang Wen Shan, and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady was not a supernatural event but rather an abnormal magnetic field causing a time-space distortion. He explained that Mei Ru writing the diary was the "cause," and their arrival was the "effect." He also stressed that Murong Jielun was "her person," and she should not defy fate, instead quietly awaiting the magnetic field's unexpected gifts.
Mei Ru, still seeking a way to send them back, was disappointed by his scientific explanation. Jiang Hui Zhen, ever practical, asked if she could at least spend Ouyang Wen Shan's money, but Second Uncle ignored her. Before leaving, Jiang Hui Zhen reassured Mei Ru that her room was safe, having put three locks on the door and left a knife and scissors under her blanket, along with a cockroach repellent, promising to return with porridge the next morning.
Mei Ru, however, felt even weaker after Second Uncle's visit. Later that night, Murong Jielun and Ouyang Wen Shan climbed back into Mei Ru's room via the balcony, criticizing the building's unreliable walls. Observing Mei Ru's worsening condition, Murong Jielun decided to pray for her immediately, vowing to even sacrifice his liver if his "honorable ceremony" failed to cleanse her.
Mei Ru, still ill, had a dream inspired by her diary, recalling her written words about Murong, her Prince, and his fatal attraction to her. She dreamt of his fiery touch and how he would pull her into his embrace. Waking from her dream, she saw Murong Jielun outside her glass door, praying for her in the name of the Prince, wishing for her protection from bad luck and catastrophes.
Murong Jielun, noticing black garlic stains around Mei Ru's mouth, mistakenly believed she had grown a mustache and that her illness had worsened. He urgently tried to enter, but in a struggle to open the glass door, Mei Ru's hand got caught. She then tripped over a stick, causing both of them to fall and necessitating a trip to the hospital.
At the hospital, Jiang Hui Zhen arrived to visit Mei Ru but was initially blocked by Murong Jielun, who seemed protective. She angrily pushed past him and entered the room, only to find Mei Ru secretly chuckling at her predicament. Mei Ru's torn ligament was being treated by the doctors, a painful process during which she clutched Murong Jielun's hand, leaving long scratches on his palm. He endured the pain silently, focused on her.
Murong Jielun also prevented the doctors from touching Mei Ru until she commanded him to let them do their work. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady soon arrived at the hospital, but Ouyang Wen Shan intercepted her. He explained that Mei Ru's ligament was torn and the Prince was deeply saddened, emphasizing that "though Mei Ru's foot was hurt, the pain was felt in the Prince's heart."
Enraged, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady caused a chaotic whirlwind in the hospital, but Ouyang Wen Shan quickly resolved the situation by promising to pay for all damages and invest in the hospital. Meanwhile, Duan Shuiliu visited his deceased grandparents, bowing and expressing his long-held love for Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, a feeling he couldn't share with others.
He declared his destiny was to accompany, protect, and help her, regardless of her supernatural nature, even if it meant sacrificing a limb or his life. He found Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady looking for "ligaments," intending to injure herself to be hospitalized and cared for by the Prince, just like Mei Ru. Duan Shuiliu, knowing the severity of a torn ligament, intervened. To prevent her from harming herself, he smashed his own leg instead, resulting in his hospitalization.
That night, Murong Jielun stayed by Mei Ru's side, caring for her. He used the silver basin to wash her hands, performing a cleansing ritual in the name of the Prince, wishing to sacrifice his own life for her. Mei Ru slowly opened her eyes and, for the first time, gently touched his nose, seemingly accepting him. Suddenly, Murong Jielun heard a sound. He stood up, looking out the window, and saw numerous crows. This sight triggered a memory of his past, a moment where he declared, "Tonight is the death time of that bastard. May Moon God help me accomplish it."
Episode 5 Recap
As a flurry of crows gathered, Murong Jielun sensed impending danger and tried to carry Mei Ru away from the hospital. However, Mei Ru vehemently resisted, her anger boiling over. She lashed out at Murong, recounting how she was once forced to read her diary as a child and stating that his very existence caused her immense shame and embarrassment. Murong was deeply saddened, admitting he couldn't recall much of his past and questioning his own right to exist.
The sight of the crows, he revealed, also stirred up painful memories, making him feel like a "disgrace" and an "outcast." Mei Ru further explained that he was a fictional character from her diary who had inexplicably come to life, becoming a problem she was forced to confront. Overwhelmed, Murong apologized, pleading with Mei Ru to teach him how to be worthy of her, expressing his desire only to love and protect her without causing further pain.
Mei Ru's demeanor softened, and she agreed to guide him and bear the responsibility, firmly stating, "Murong Jielun, you're mine." Later, Murong began his education in modern society. He learned about household appliances like televisions, which he previously didn't understand, and was specifically instructed not to damage them with his sword. Mei Ru also taught him basic social etiquette, emphasizing humility, discretion, avoiding trouble, and refraining from calling himself a "Prince."
Murong initially asserted his royal status, but Mei Ru firmly declared her words were law, leaving him the choice to obey or leave. He chose to stay, vowing to protect her, though she reiterated she didn't require his protection. Soon after, a young girl approached, referring to Mei Ru as "Auntie" and pointing out that staring into other people's rooms was impolite. Murong, applying his new lessons in humility, immediately offered his seat.
Once Murong left, Mei Ru vented her frustration to the child, warning her against fantasizing about fictional characters coming to life, calling such a scenario "miserable." Meanwhile, Duan Shuiliu found Mei Ru and expressed his gratitude for her inadvertently bringing Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady into his life, still convinced of her tangible presence. He provocatively remarked that Mei Ru was less lovable now than when she was twelve, when she still believed in "love and miracles."
He accused her of becoming a "joke" and cautioned her not to "shoot herself in the foot." Shortly after, Mei Ru's boss visited her hospital room. He was impressed by Murong, finding him polite and knowledgeable, and much easier to get along with than Mei Ru. Observing from the doorway, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady watched them. Duan Shuiliu, using the pretense of "analyzing" the conversation, leaned close to Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady.
He twisted Murong's words, implying Murong found Mei Ru beautiful but would grow disgusted if she didn't wash her feet. He then directly advised Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady that Murong would love her more if she washed her feet and wore shoes. He further suggested that Murong feared Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady and Duan Shuiliu forming a "powerful team" to oppose Mei Ru.
Taking this to heart, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady enthusiastically agreed to spend more time with Duan Shuiliu for Murong's sake, even asking where they would live. Concerned about Mei Ru's unstable state since her birthday, which had begun to affect her work, her boss recommended she undergo Bigu fasting to "purify her heart and dispel her illness," informing her that the time would be deducted from her annual leave. He also insisted Murong accompany her.
At the Bigu fasting retreat, all personal belongings, including mobile phones, were confiscated. The meals consisted solely of nuts and red dates. Murong seemed to enjoy the tranquility and simplicity, but Mei Ru quickly grew hungry, fantasizing about rich foods like fish, shrimp, shellfish, and various meat dishes. When she complained about not having enough to eat, Murong simply advised her to "drink more warm water" and offered his own portion, which she eagerly accepted.
During classes, Murong listened intently while Mei Ru struggled to stay awake, constantly dozing off. By the third day, Mei Ru was at her breaking point, attempting to climb over a fence to escape the retreat, but Murong intervened, preventing her. In a furious outburst, she reminded him that "men can't touch women without permission" and unleashed a torrent of pent-up anger.
She recalled cruel remarks made by others since she was twelve, feeling as though "the whole world is against me." She confessed that her "humility and politeness" were merely an act, revealing herself as a "terrible person" who fakes smiles, has a nasty temper, is easily annoyed, and hates everything. She declared she simply "doesn't fit in" with the world and just wanted to eat. Afterward, she worried that Murong would no longer love her because of her behavior.
A short while later, Murong approached her with some eggs. He explained that he had traded them by allowing people to touch his face. Mei Ru was initially thrilled about the eggs, especially the prospect of making hot spring eggs, but her mood soured upon learning the "cost," telling him not to make such a "huge loss" again. Meanwhile, Duan Shuiliu took Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady shopping, imparting his skewed view of modern society.
He declared branded items the "mark of the poor" and rotating restaurants a "punishment for losers." He deemed small, private cars fit only for "slaves," proclaiming that a "city dragon" (subway) was the only suitable transport for someone as "noble" as Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, who, he assured her, would never lose.
He continued to encourage her to wear shoes, promising that Murong would love her more for it, and vowed to give her everything she desired, including buying her a house. At the theater, Jiang Hui Zhen, brainstorming for innovative play ideas, believed their troupe needed to "keep up with the times" to avoid obscurity. Her colleague expressed skepticism about integrating new elements into Sichuan Opera, but Jiang Hui Zhen insisted.
She then excitedly shared news of an ancient, "soul-stirring Babylonian love poem" recently unearthed in Iraq. Seeing its "cultural heritage" and "archaeological value," she proposed a bold international collaboration to secure the copyright and elevate the troupe globally, suggesting the wealthy Ouyang Wen Shan as a potential investor. Her colleague dismissed the idea as "crazy" due to the troupe's limited resources and the impracticality of such a venture in Iraq.
Episode 6 Recap
Chen Meiru and Murong Jielun were at the hot spring, cooking eggs. Mei Ru accidentally slipped into the pool, and as Murong Jielun pulled her out, their eyes met, sparking a moment of affection before they were instantly transported to Wushan. Mei Ru lamented her difficulty in simply eating an egg, finding the "going to Wushan" experience to be an unpleasant quirk. Murong Jielun apologized for being momentarily distracted.
Meanwhile, Jiang Hui Zhen met Ouyang Wen Shan to sign a contract. He had booked the entire restaurant for their private discussion. When Jiang Hui Zhen proposed an international cooperation project with Iraq, Ouyang Wen Shan agreed immediately without reviewing the contract, stating he would support her dreams without conditions, which impressed her. As she prepared to leave, he stopped her, not to add conditions, but to button an unfastened button on her shirt.
This caught Jiang Hui Zhen's attention, as most people were interested in unbuttoning her clothes, not fastening them. She recognized it as a tactic to play hard to get, but conceded that it had worked. She made it clear that any personal relationship between them would not affect their professional dealings or change their overall relationship, despite their passionate attraction.
Back at home, Mei Ru prepared to take a shower, but Murong Jielun attempted to join her, reasoning they had just been together in the hot spring and believed in mutual respect and openness, which meant being honest with each other and having no "weapons." Mei Ru firmly told him to leave, insisting he must never enter while she was showering. She explained that exposing himself without permission was a form of "weapon." Murong Jielun complied.
Later that evening, Duan Shuiliu took the Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady to look at houses. She was fixated on finding a home that offered a clear view of Murong Jielun's apartment, Unit 222 Block B5, caring little for practical details like insulation or layout. They eventually found a rundown house directly opposite Murong's, which satisfied her requirement.
The Dragon Lady was delighted, declaring she would sleep on the balcony to watch Murong Jielun, and Duan Shuiliu vowed to stay by her side. She also expressed joy that the "annoying Chen Meiru" was not there. Jiang Hui Zhen called Mei Ru, urgently asking her to bring fresh clothes to Aiqinhai Mall because her own had been torn after her intimate encounter with Ouyang Wen Shan.
On her way, Mei Ru listened to a radio program about "The Little Prince," reflecting on her burgeoning feelings for Murong. She recalled his sincerity, both when teaching her and when angry, and his assertion that she was the "best Chen Meiru in the world." She realized that like the fox in the story, their "taming" had made an ordinary connection feel uniquely special. At the mall, Mei Ru handed over the clothes, asking Jiang Hui Zhen what had happened.
Jiang Hui Zhen casually attributed it to natural human passion. She then shifted to Meiru, teasing her for being emotionally immature and avoiding love. She connected Meiru's avoidance to their childhood diary, urging her to overcome past hurts and not let external opinions dictate her happiness. Jiang Hui Zhen reminded Mei Ru of diary entries describing Murong's "breaths intertwined" with hers and their "lips close together," which Mei Ru dismissed as youthful "erotic stories."
Jiang Hui Zhen then quoted another diary entry: "The more you try to escape, the more deeply ingrained it becomes. That is the look of happiness." She also recalled how Mei Ru described Ouyang Wen Shan in the diary: "gentle as jade, compliant to everything," desiring no long-term commitment but "open and passionate."
Jiang Hui Zhen then offered her modern perspective, stating that romantic and physical relationships are inseparable, akin to an interrogation where the first to yield falls in love. She expressed her desire for a partner of equal strength. The two friends enjoyed a moment on a slide, and Jiang Hui Zhen expressed her joy at being able to discuss the diary with Mei Ru, sensing Mei Ru's emotional release.
Meanwhile, Duan Shuiliu was at home, complaining about the sheer number of beauty products women use. The Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady was constantly watching Murong Jielun's apartment. Ouyang Wen Shan arrived at Murong's apartment. From their new vantage point, the Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, observing through her telescope, saw Murong Jielun and Ouyang Wen Shan disappear into the house. Duan Shuiliu, analyzing the apartment layout, deduced they had entered the bathroom, finding their daytime meeting in the bathroom highly suspicious.
He speculated about Ouyang Wen Shan's intentions, noting his perceived lower social status from his clothes and car. The Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, convinced Ouyang Wen Shan was a new rival due to his "seductive" gaze, used her powers to magically mess up Mei Ru's entire living room. Murong Jielun discussed his recurring visions of strange images when near water, wondering if they were real memories he couldn't access.
Ouyang Wen Shan confided that he too had once spontaneously read ancient texts, reciting phrases about the "great and glorious Babylon Kingdom." They decided to recreate the hot spring scenario to see if it would trigger more memories. Duan Shuiliu, having followed Ouyang Wen Shan to Murong’s place, burst in, accusing Ouyang Wen Shan of having ulterior motives due to his perceived lower social status and warning Murong not to be deceived.
Ouyang Wen Shan, unfazed, announced he was leaving for Iraq on a multi-day trip to secure copyrights for the Babylonian poem and would continue their discussion upon his return. Murong Jielun expressed concern for Ouyang Wen Shan’s safety. The Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady vehemently warned Murong Jielun about Ouyang Wen Shan, labeling him "seductive" and dangerous.
Murong Jielun, however, warned her to cease her "foolish surveillance" and clean up the mess she had made in his home before Mei Ru returned. He stated he would not forget her past harmful actions against Mei Ru and that while they didn't need to be enemies, they could never be friends, despite his newfound adherence to rules. The Dragon Lady, defiant, declared she wanted to be his lover, not his friend.
Duan Shuiliu, watching through his telescope, was enraged to see Murong Jielun ordering the Dragon Lady, whom he cherished and had never let touch a drop of water, to clean, and he swore to kill Murong Jielun. Meanwhile, at the theatre, the director announced that Ouyang Wen Shan, their new investor, had departed to Iraq to acquire the copyright for the Ancient Babylon poem project.
Jiang Hui Zhen urged everyone to begin preparations, highlighting the project's strong potential due to its archaeological value, commercial elements, and dramatic narrative of an ancient kingdom, a prince, guards, and female historians, all of which would blend well with Sichuan Opera. She proposed a small trial performance post-creation. Colleagues raised concerns about the complexities of international copyright.
Jiang Hui Zhen reassured them of Ouyang Wen Shan's financial capacity and his patriotic pride in traditional Chinese culture, which she believed would aid negotiations. She then delved into detailed information about the safety conditions in Baghdad, its distance from Nineveh, and the decreasing terrorist activity, revealing her deep concern for Ouyang Wen Shan's personal well-being rather than just the business aspect.
Episode 7 Recap
A news report revealed the discovery of a suspected ancient Babylonian altar site, 90 kilometers south of Baghdad, Iraq. The site, found by a mysterious individual beneath the ruins of Al-Hajarah, contained numerous cuneiform tablets and distorted skeletons, suggesting ancient and mysterious sacrificial rituals. In a desolate cave amidst the ruins, a long-bearded old man, dressed in ancient clothing, stumbled upon a startling discovery.
A voice echoed through the cave, identifying the ancient King Sin-Muballit, who, like his sworn enemy, had lost all memory. The voice assured him that a stone tablet would help him recover his past and guide his unknown future. At Mei Ru’s home, Jiang Hui Zhen complained about a frustrating meeting with a producer who publicly embarrassed her. Murong Jielun’s laughter provoked Jiang Hui Zhen, who retorted by calling him a "kept man."
Mei Ru intervened, asking Jiang Hui Zhen to stop bothering Murong Jielun. Jiang Hui Zhen then inquired about Ouyang Wen Shan’s whereabouts, pretending indifference while clearly being concerned. Meanwhile, unknown to them, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady and Duan Shuiliu were secretly eavesdropping on their conversation using a sound amplifier. Jiang Hui Zhen, showing Mei Ru and Murong Jielun printed photos of their first kiss, taunted Murong Jielun that he was nothing more than Mei Ru’s tenant, without any deeper relationship.
Murong Jielun mentioned that Ouyang Wen Shan called him daily, greeting him according to their time zone, which further irked Jiang Hui Zhen, prompting her to step out for fresh air. Ouyang Wen Shan, in Iraq, met with a scholar to acquire the copyright for the ancient Babylonian story.
He demonstrated his ability to speak Akkadian, albeit not fluently, and explained that he sought the story for his daughter, an important woman in his life, who wished to bring it to the stage. The scholar, recognizing Ouyang Wen Shan as a "generous suitor" and sensing his noble background, was told by Ouyang Wen Shan that he had a friend who was a "real prince."
Later that evening, after Mei Ru took a shower, Murong Jielun, who had already gone to bed, considerately turned on the light for her. Mei Ru asked him to stop, explaining that such attentiveness made her feel burdened as she was unaccustomed to it. She asserted that he shouldn't do anything for her or harbor any expectations, as their current relationship was sufficient. Murong Jielun expressed his desire to do things for her, hoping not to worsen their situation.
Mei Ru, reflecting on life's disappointments, urged him not to be greedy and to avoid trying to change their relationship. She then informed him of her decision to clear out the storage room to be his new bedroom, ensuring they would "not disturb each other again." Jiang Hui Zhen meticulously prepared a picnic date for Mei Ru and Murong Jielun on Wushan, calling Mei Ru and insisting on her attendance.
However, she abruptly hung up when Ouyang Wen Shan appeared behind her, much to Mei Ru’s confusion, who thought she was angry. Jiang Hui Zhen was delighted to see Ouyang Wen Shan but detected a distinct scent on him. He explained it was a special solid perfume, a gift from the scholar in Iraq. Jealous, Jiang Hui Zhen dismissed his explanation, furiously threw the perfume into a fireplace, causing black smoke to billow out, and stormed off.
Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, having overheard Jiang Hui Zhen's advice on "sexual charm" and hormone induction, resolved to prepare to impress Prince Murong at Wushan, believing that arriving before Mei Ru would give her an advantage. Meanwhile, Duan Shuiliu was confronted by his company's employees, Gigi the Pink Lady, Cici the Melon, and Coco the Vege.
They accused him of neglecting his business due to his new romance, claiming that Wang Da Mei had secretly revised contracts, changed live stream account passwords, and was planning to replace him as the boss. They demanded he sign a document supporting them against Wang Da Mei and return to actively managing the company. On his way to Wushan, Murong Jielun was suddenly besieged by a flock of crows, a chaotic scene orchestrated by the old man from Iraq.
Ouyang Wen Shan, who was descending the mountain with Jiang Hui Zhen, came to Murong Jielun’s aid after hearing strange noises and checking on Mei Ru. Meanwhile, Mei Ru arrived at Wushan. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, already there, mistook Mei Ru for Murong Jielun and violently attacked her, accusing Mei Ru of sabotaging her "dating night" with Murong. Security guards on patrol discovered the two women, battered and covered by a curtain, and intervened.
They noted Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady’s "demonic" nature and immense strength as they apprehended her. The security guards took Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady and Mei Ru to the same "pig cage" where they had previously been held. Duan Shuiliu received a call from Mr. Li, informing him of Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady’s predicament. He rushed there, only to find that Murong Jielun, Mei Ru, and several police officers were also present, having been summoned by Second Aunt.
Upon Murong Jielun's arrival, he prioritized Mei Ru, pushing Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady aside. Duan Shuiliu demanded Murong Jielun apologize, but Ouyang Wen Shan intervened. Second Aunt’s dramatic entrance further escalated the situation, causing Duan Shuiliu to flee immediately. Inside, Mei Ru, seeing Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's bruised wrists, untied her, despite Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's continued threats to kill her. The two women then sat down and conversed.
Mei Ru complimented Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady’s beauty, admitting that she had only made her a "love rival" to elevate her own self-perception, confessing her feelings of being ordinary and her secret desire to be like Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady. Mei Ru revealed that Murong Jielun’s feelings for her were not love, but a sense of responsibility stemming from a past vow to protect her.
She also told Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady that Duan Shuiliu genuinely loved her and possessed "the ability to love." Despite Mei Ru's insights, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady still clung to the belief that Prince Murong loved her. Just as she resolved to finally get rid of Mei Ru, Second Aunt’s loud call for "Chen Mei Ru" interrupted her, making both women turn their heads.
Episode 8 Recap
Murong Jielun and Ouyang Wenshan arrived at the top of Wushan, finding only police officers at the scene. Anxious about Chen Mei Ru's whereabouts, Murong Jielun immediately grabbed an officer by the collar, demanding to know where she was. He learned Mei Ru had been taken to the same wild animal cage where he and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady were previously held. Meanwhile, Chen Mei Ru's Second Aunt, a former teacher to many police officers in Wushan, arrived.
The officers, out of respect, allowed her to take Mei Ru to an upstairs room. Duan Shuiliu, having received news, also came to pick up Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady. As Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady emerged from the police station, she spotted Murong Jielun and eagerly greeted him, only to be pushed aside by Murong Jielun, who was solely focused on finding Mei Ru. Heartbroken, Duan Shuiliu confronted Murong Jielun, demanding an apology for treating his "goddess" in such a manner.
He criticized Murong Jielun, asking, "Do you know every time you scold her, she would be sad for a long time? Mind your manners even if you're rejecting her. Are you still a man?" Murong Jielun, far superior in combat, quickly subdued Duan Shuiliu. Just then, Second Aunt descended the stairs with Chen Mei Ru.
An officer began to explain the complicated situation, mentioning that Mei Ru and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady were found "disheveled," that Duan had "bailed that lady out," and that Mei Ru's current boyfriend (Murong Jielun) had been "locked up with that lady" before. Second Aunt, understanding the mess, tried to summon Duan Shuiliu for questioning, but he, ever nimble, seized the opportunity to escape on his motorcycle with Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, ignoring Second Aunt's calls.
Murong Jielun joined Chen Mei Ru at Second Aunt's home for dinner. Second Aunt, having heard Murong Jielun was Mei Ru's boyfriend, had prepared rabbit heads in two different flavors, though she wasn't sure of his preference. Despite her sharp tongue, Second Aunt deeply loved and was proud of Mei Ru. Murong Jielun, unfamiliar with proper table etiquette, frequently reached for food before being stopped by Mei Ru. He even asked Mei Ru, "What is a second aunt?"
and "Who is the second uncle?" , prompting Mei Ru to explain familial relations and advise him that "some concepts, you don't need to know the logic, just memorize it." Second Aunt then offered three pieces of advice related to food, though she only stated two. Murong Jielun pointed this out, but Mei Ru explained that Second Aunt, as a former class teacher, often started with three points but rarely completed them.
Mei Ru subtly deflected Second Aunt's probing questions about Murong Jielun's origins, even calling his unusual name an "endearment." Second Aunt, while accepting the explanation, stated, "I guess you're critically ill." Mei Ru reassured Second Aunt that everything was fine, leading Second Aunt to bring out a photograph of Mei Ru's great-grandma for Murong Jielun to witness.
She explained that Mei Ru, raised by her great-grandma, was "the empress dowager in our family," making Mei Ru "the princess in our family." She warned Murong Jielun to "speak and act cautiously" and "treat our princess right," as her "students are everywhere here." Murong Jielun then blurted out, "We live together. I take care of her every day."
Mei Ru was startled, but Second Aunt, upon hearing they were cohabiting, decided Murong Jielun was family and removed the rabbit heads, as they didn't eat them. Meanwhile, in the rain, Duan Shuiliu held an umbrella over Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, careful not to let her get wet. She asked him if he loved her, mentioning that Chen Mei Ru had told her he did. Duan Shuiliu hesitated, explaining, "You are the real princess in my heart.
That's why I don't dare to confess to you. It's not because you're not good enough. It's because I don't think I deserve you." He then passionately confessed, "I like you with all my heart. That's why I can't stand seeing you being mean to yourself, chasing after someone who will never talk to you. Murong and you will not be together. This is the setting. So please, stop chasing after him. This is not worth it."
Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady mused that "you don't know if it's worth it from now." Duan then asked if she wanted "chitterlings," to which she replied yes, and they left together. Back in Wushan, Mei Ru expressed gratitude to Murong Jielun, telling him, "Thanks to you, I know that I am a princess too."
As they looked through a picture book, Murong Jielun identified the birds that attacked him as European Starlings, describing them as "brave and fierce," like a "black whirlwind," and "worse than a disaster when they work together." He recounted how they "attacked me like crazy" and he "thought it was some sort of witchcraft." Mei Ru corrected him, suggesting his confusion stemmed from his lack of knowledge, advising him to watch horror movies.
Murong Jielun agreed, realizing, "I guess I have to watch more movies to expand my knowledge. . . I've been imagining things a while ago because I don't know about stuff." Mei Ru added, "There is much more to learn." Later, Murong Jielun declared Mei Ru "very charming," despite Jiang Huizhen's assertion that Mei Ru lacked "sexual charm," which Murong Jielun claimed Jiang Huizhen had taught him about.
He then started dancing strangely, amusing Mei Ru, who started dancing with him. From downstairs, Second Aunt humorously remarked that Murong Jielun was "even wilder than her uncle." After Mei Ru showered, Murong Jielun eagerly announced that he had "figured it out" and planned to "learn and master something new every day." He wanted to demonstrate his new skills to Mei Ru, inviting her to lie down.
He claimed to have learned massage techniques, fixing water pipes, riding trams, and gym exercises from "the movie." Mei Ru, increasingly suspicious, asked where he watched these videos. Murong Jielun casually replied, "In your computer." Mei Ru was furious, exclaiming, "Who gives you permission to touch my computer? Not every movie can be watched. My job is to restrict people from viewing these. You are consciously breaking the law."
Murong Jielun defended himself, saying the movies were "nice" and he'd "learned a lot of skills" by watching them in fast-forward. Exasperated, Mei Ru forbade him from watching such content or touching her computer again, and also told him not to give her or anyone else a massage. That night, Mei Ru had an intimate dream involving Murong Jielun.
She woke up startled, trying to rationalize it as "just a dream" and assuring herself it was "not illegal to imagine myself in the scenario." When she opened her curtains, she saw Murong Jielun exercising on the balcony. He greeted her cheerfully, inviting her to join him, which made Mei Ru recoil, internally labeling her feelings as an "illness" that "needs to be cured." Seeking help, Mei Ru visited the company's psychological counseling room.
She cautiously inquired if it was normal to develop sexual fantasies from work videos, especially if the fantasy involved an acquaintance, or even the same person she fantasized about as a child. She explained her childhood fantasy had led to "miserable for twelve years," and now that the person was real, she was having "forbidden thoughts." She wondered if it was a "curse."
The therapist reassured her that "lust is the instinctive psychological reaction," but became visibly uncomfortable and confused when Mei Ru implied the person wasn't entirely real. Mei Ru, noticing the therapist's distress, insisted she could control her desires but still asked for medication to "suppress my lust." Meanwhile, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, having reflected overnight, spoke openly with Duan Shuiliu.
She told him that he "cannot like" her in that way, but she accepted him in the role of her "guard." She explained her new "strategy" to impress Murong Jielun: by observing Chen Mei Ru going to work every day, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady decided she also needed a "job" to make herself busy. She chose mahjong, describing it as a "stable job that your gender and age don't matter."
Duan Shuiliu was incredibly attentive, fetching fruits for her during the game. The aunties playing mahjong with her asked if Duan Shuiliu was her boyfriend or husband, and if he was single. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady simply stated, "He is my guard" and "He only interacts with me." She proved to be a natural at mahjong, winning a significant amount by skillfully performing "Adding glory to the Kong" and securing an "All one suit and self draw."
Back at work, Mei Ru returned to chaos. Her boss was furious because "some deleted videos were restored by the backend," resulting in "tons of likes, comments, and shares." The incident was attributed to negligence by the duty officers, who "fell asleep" or were "playing mobile games," causing a "chaos" that released "massaging, fixing water pipes, and subway groper related videos."
The boss declared it a "terrible incident," suspecting "spies" and lamenting that it had "ruined the feng shui" of the company. He demanded a thorough investigation to find the "mole" and punish them severely. Recalling Murong Jielun's confession about learning various skills from videos on her computer, Mei Ru realized the seriousness of the situation and suspected he might be unknowingly involved.
Episode 9 Recap
Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady skillfully playing mahjong with a group of older women, winning several rounds. As the game progresses, the doorbell rings persistently, disturbing Duan Shuiliu, who had been sleeping on the sofa. Three internet influencers from Duan Shuiliu's company burst in, furious that he had been ignoring their calls and messages.
They complain that he didn't give them a key to his new place, unlike when he used to live in a warehouse – a detail Duan Shuiliu quickly tries to cover up to prevent Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady from hearing.
The aunts at the mahjong table notice the commotion and begin to tease Duan Shuiliu, remarking that they initially thought he was a single and reliable man, but now see he's a playboy, which causes Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady to grow suspicious. She directly confronts Duan Shuiliu, demanding to know who these women are. He can only weakly explain that they are his colleagues.
The influencers then reveal the grim situation: their company has been targeted as a scapegoat, and their accounts, particularly those who "flaunted male charms," have been "fully blocked on the internet" or "all deleted," likened to an extreme form of punishment. They accuse Duan Shuiliu of neglecting them while he stays home playing mahjong. The aunts, still present, continue to fuel Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's doubts, advising her not to stay with Duan Shuiliu.
Duan Shuiliu, flustered, ushers the aunts out. When he returns, he finds the internet influencers sitting with Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady. They manipulate her, accusing Duan Shuiliu of having treated them, his former colleagues, like princesses as well, and now he is merely using Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady because her "utilitarian value" is higher as a potential artiste. They claim he will dump her once he's used her.
Duan Shuiliu tries to explain, but his previous words to Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady—that he sees himself as her "guard" who "serves the princess" and "only admires her to some extent"—are used against him. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, hurt and confused, asks if he's using her, having fun at her expense, and if his "princess" talk was all a lie.
Duan Shuiliu denies lying, suggesting he told "white lies" and reminding her that she initially didn't want him to love her, so his feelings were "just a little admiration, very peaceful and stable." He states he has "personal liberty" and must go resolve the company issues, asking her to wait for him at home. He leaves, feeling that she doesn't appreciate his efforts and that he is just a "guard who doesn't even deserve to talk about love."
Duan Shuiliu arrives at Chen Meiru's company, where the internet influencers believe she is responsible for deleting their accounts. Duan Shuiliu confronts Chen Meiru, sarcastically reminding her of the "twelve years" it took her to start over. Chen Meiru insists that their content likely violated regulations and suggests they register new, compliant accounts.
This infuriates Duan Shuiliu, who accuses her of being "incapable of love" and "frigid," stressing that the influencers are real people with dreams whose lives she shouldn't ruin. He implies she has done something similar before, warning her not to do it again and calling her actions "immoral." Chen Meiru counters that he has no right to define her feelings. Just then, Chen Meiru's boss enters.
He reveals that the IP address that watched "improper videos" last night belongs to Chen Meiru. Chen Meiru tries to explain it was an "accidental operation" (though she later confides it was Murong Jielun), but her boss dismisses it. He insults her, calling her a "24-year-old hooligan woman" and a "12-year-old hooligan woman" in reference to her diary, accusing her of jeopardizing the company's Series B financing due to her "desire." Enraged by the boss's insults, Duan Shuiliu punches him.
Later, Duan Shuiliu apologizes to Chen Meiru for his earlier harsh words. Chen Meiru, feeling humiliated, laments that her "fantasy is guilty," liking someone is wrong, and that "loving someone will become a scandal," returning her to square one after twelve years. She describes Murong Jielun as a "prince made up out of thin air" and states she is "still paying the price for her fantasy spring dream," making her "fated to be unfortunate."
Duan Shuiliu argues that Murong Jielun and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady are equally unfortunate, like "dolls" whose fates are "set by the system." He also states that those who know the truth but remain silent are guilty. He confesses his guilt for not telling Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady the truth, fearing she would "leave," "be mad," or "cause trouble."
He deeply wishes she would forget Murong Jielun and accept him, expressing his desire to give her a future, even though he can't change her past. However, he acknowledges that due to the diary, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady is fated to love only Murong Jielun. He recounts denying his love for her, describing himself as merely a "guard," and questions whether he is a disaster to others or if others are a disaster to him.
He then admits to only loving himself and vows to continue lying to keep Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady by his side. He concludes by saying Chen Meiru is lucky that her "ideal type (Murong Jielun) loves her so dearly," urging her to cherish him. Meanwhile, Jiang Hui Zhen and her troupe are rehearsing for her first stage show. Chen Meiru arrives, visibly distressed and asking for alcohol.
She tells Jiang Hui Zhen that she didn't just skip work but is "going to quit" entirely. Jiang Hui Zhen offers unconditional support, declaring that anyone who made Chen Meiru cry is a "bastard." Chen Meiru speaks of feeling like "everything's back," comparing her current situation to when she was twelve. She recounts having an "erotic dream" earlier that morning and feeling that the "nightmare is back," connecting it to her diary.
Jiang Hui Zhen gently reminds Chen Meiru about her own impending first show and expresses hurt that Chen Meiru seemed to overlook her feelings. Chen Meiru, remorseful, apologizes, acknowledging she neglected Jiang Hui Zhen. She wishes Jiang Hui Zhen success, assuring her she will become a "big star." Jiang Hui Zhen accepts the apology, telling Chen Meiru to compose herself, warning her not to show up with a swollen face for the premiere.
Jiang Hui Zhen then explains that the diary isn't a nightmare; it brought Chen Meiru into her life, making her "the most important person." The diary also led her to Ouyang Wen Shan, her chosen "nice" man, and predicts she will be a big star, a destiny she intends to fulfill to prove their mockers wrong.
Jiang Hui Zhen then reads a heartfelt note she prepared for Chen Meiru, reiterating their bond and shared dreams, and signing it as "Big Star Jiang Hui Zhen." Playfully, Chen Meiru offers Jiang Hui Zhen the diary and Murong Jielun, stating she prefers Ouyang Wen Shan, despite Jiang Hui Zhen's observation that he gives her the "silent treatment."
Chen Meiru declares her intention to "break the diary curse" after the show, to embrace happiness, proclaiming that "it's not shameful to fantasize" and she wants to "keep dreaming." Back at Duan Shuiliu's home, he returns to find Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady has left. He frantically searches for her in all the places they've been together, but she is nowhere to be found. Duan Shuiliu is very anxious.
Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady is seen sitting by the Wushan river, reflecting on Duan Shuiliu's confusing words and struggling to understand her own feelings. Suddenly, Chen Meiru's Second Aunt spots her, recognizing her from a previous encounter when she was caught with Chen Meiru. Identifying herself as Duan Shuiliu's former class teacher and Chen Meiru's Second Aunt, she takes Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady home, cooks for her, and attempts to comfort her.
However, Second Aunt's casual remarks about Duan Shuiliu's childhood—how he "has always liked to hang out with girls" and "loved to follow Chen Mei Ru," with rumors suggesting he liked her—further deepen Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's misunderstanding. She misinterprets this to mean Duan Shuiliu was using her as a means to get closer to Chen Meiru or to protect her.
Feeling "completely deceived," Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady becomes furious and vows, "Chen Mei Ru, I won't go easy on you," as heavy rain begins to fall, reflecting her emotional turmoil. Later, Murong Jielun finds a distraught and drunk Chen Meiru and carries her home. She thanks him for picking her up, declaring that she is no longer afraid of any curse, will "break the curse," and that "my fantasy is not guilty" and she wants to "keep dreaming."
She also states that "every girl in the world is a dreamer." Meanwhile, an unseen, powerful entity tasks its "most loyal messenger" with finding "the bastard child" and delivering a "message of death" to a "distant kingdom," asserting, "Only I am the eternal king," and vowing to eliminate the child wherever he may be.
Episode 10 Recap
Chen Mei Ru found herself in a vivid dream, proudly articulating her past views on her profession. She enjoyed her work because it allowed her to precisely cut away excessive desires, believing adults should control the boundaries of their wants, which is why she chose this profession. However, she revealed her decision to resign because love, unlike civilization, is one thing in the world that cannot be controlled or bounded.
She felt love was unreasonable and came without a tutorial, noting that people only pretended to understand it as they aged, carrying old wounds, insecurity, and primal fears. To truly grow, she intended to embrace surprises and the unknown, no longer fearing the potential loss of control in life, and declared her intention to "put her scalpel down." Waking up later that afternoon, Murong Jielun's voice startled Mei Ru.
She saw him sitting by a table and realized she had been dramatically drunk the previous night. Murong Jielun recounted how she had transformed, insisting on wearing his clothes to "protect" him, but then hit him. She had ordered him to sit still, telling him he resembled a painting she wanted to admire. Mei Ru was mortified, admitting that while she used to only vomit from drinking, she never got drunk, blaming Jiang Hui Zhen for this change.
Murong Jielun advised her to stop drinking, but when Mei Ru apologized for her actions, he reassured her, saying he was willing to be ready for anything she might do in the future. Mei Ru explained that she had let loose precisely because she knew he would protect her. He promised to always shield her from harm.
Mei Ru then resolved to let go of the 12-year shadow, be happier, and more relaxed, confidently stating that "there are no curses in the world." Although Murong Jielun believed curses did exist, he agreed that if Mei Ru said they didn't, then for her, they wouldn't. Meanwhile, Jiang Hui Zhen gracefully rehearsed her dance routine, pouring her heart into her performance.
Today was her premiere, and she aspired to become the real-life version of the star written in Mei Ru's diary. Ouyang Wen Shan arrived, not as an investor but to see her, presenting a custom-made performance costume.
Jiang Hui Zhen, still harboring resentment over his following her instruction not to contact her, and a lingering fragrance on him which she suspected was from "had nightlife," initially dismissed his gesture and put on a facade, though internally she wished he would stay for her performance.
Ouyang Wen Shan tried to explain that his recent absence was due to his efforts in getting the costume made, and he had been studying books and movies about women to understand her true feelings, recognizing that she often "said something contrary to her intention." He promised to always contact her and appear, regardless of her spoken protests.
Jiang Hui Zhen retorted that he was being self-centered, but conceded she had much to discuss with him after her performance, which she considered her purpose for existing. Ouyang Wen Shan suggested her existence had more meaning than just that. Their conversation was interrupted by Duan Shuiliu, who urgently sought Jiang Hui Zhen because Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady was missing.
Duan Shuiliu declared his intention to reveal the truth about the diary to Dragon Lady, specifically that Chen Mei Ru wrote it. Jiang Hui Zhen vehemently opposed this, calling him "insane" and warning him against harming Mei Ru, who had just found some peace. Duan Shuiliu, however, was resolute, believing that "honesty can bring peace of mind" and that everyone deserved to make their own choices.
He then confessed that he had lied about burning the diary, adding that it wasn't surprising for a "scumbag" like him to deceive people. Jiang Hui Zhen, furious at his betrayal and recklessness, threatened him if he dared to hurt Mei Ru. Duan Shuiliu maintained it was a matter between him and Dragon Lady, and reaffirmed his plan to show Dragon Lady the diary.
Mei Ru, feeling positive, went to the company with Murong Jielun, who waited downstairs, having sensed something was amiss with attacking crows. She approached her boss to address her situation. While apologizing for any losses she might have caused, she insisted that he should apologize to her for publicly humiliating her. She then informed him she was there to tender her resignation.
Her boss, blaming the "astronomical phenomenon" for his discomfort, refused to make any company decisions and put on headphones to meditate, ignoring Mei Ru. As crows swarmed outside, pecking at the windows, Mei Ru became frightened and desperately tried to get her boss's attention, but he remained unresponsive. She fled, only to be confronted by Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, who was screaming her name.
Dragon Lady expressed her fury, believing Mei Ru had made everyone dislike her, deceived her, and abandoned her, proclaiming that Mei Ru "should die." Mei Ru tried to deter Dragon Lady from using her powers in the building and questioned Duan Shuiliu's whereabouts. During the confrontation, Mei Ru reflected on a diary entry: "The Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's ability to call the wind and summon the rain has caused me to suffer a lot.
But my miserable state will only make Prince love me more." As Mei Ru attempted to escape via the elevator, she encountered Duan Shuiliu, who was desperately trying to tell her the diary's truth. He insisted he needed to tell Dragon Lady the truth, but Mei Ru frantically told him that Dragon Lady had just attacked her and wanted to kill her, urging him to find Murong. Dragon Lady appeared, witnessing Mei Ru and Duan Shuiliu together.
Enraged, she yelled at Duan Shuiliu and violently repelled him when he tried to intervene. Mei Ru inwardly acknowledged that crises and unexpected tribulations seemed to follow her. Duan Shuiliu still tried to present the diary, claiming it was written by Chen Mei Ru, but Dragon Lady furiously refused to believe a word he said. She accused Mei Ru of having both Murong and Duan Shuiliu's affection, while she was left alone, and questioned why they had lied to her.
Duan Shuiliu attempted to clarify the misunderstanding, but Dragon Lady, blinded by rage, screamed that if he truly cared for Mei Ru, he deserved to die, before unleashing her powerful abilities. Amidst the chaos, Mei Ru recalled another diary entry: "Life is so unfair. Although Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady is peerlessly beautiful, she's destined to lose her love and be alone for the rest of her life." Duan Shuiliu, witnessing this, desperately thought he had to change her fate.
Mei Ru was thrown against a wall, falling to the ground. Duan Shuiliu, trying to retrieve the diary, watched as it was flipped into the water and its writing faded away. Immediately, a strange phenomenon occurred: Murong Jielun, Ouyang Wen Shan, and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady all collapsed. They were rushed to the hospital. Doctors reported Murong Jielun's QRS complex had disappeared, he was in V-fib at 400 beats per minute, and had experienced cardiac arrest.
Medical staff frantically worked to save him, administering adrenaline, preparing for a tracheotomy, and using a defibrillator at 200 joules, while initiating brain resuscitation. A sudden power outage, caused by a severe storm, caused his vital signs to drop even further. As the hospital plunged into chaos, Mei Ru, distraught, cried out for Murong Jielun, recalling her own diary entry: "What is the price that Murong Jie Lun and I will have to pay for this relationship? I don't know.
No one does. To be in a great relationship, I mustn't be afraid of sacrifice. I'm willing to be against the world for Murong Jie Lun. Murong Jie Lun, forgive me for forgetting to tell you in the end that I like the scene of you looking at me in the crowd very much. A great love does need the annotation of death."
Episode 11 Recap
Mei Ru found herself dreaming, transported back to a childhood visit to a Babylonian Civilization Exhibition. In this dream, she entered a magical world unlike her own, reliving the period when she was writing her diary. The Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady appeared powerful and commanding, and Ouyang Wen Shan served as Murong Jielun's loyal chief guard.
The dream depicted the young Dragon Lady as an obedient and sensible scribe who, after a chance encounter, became enamored with Prince Murong Jielun, whose eyes were both sharp and wise. During a lunar deity sacrificial ritual, Murong Jielun was training, drawing the admiration of many young maidens. The prince, agile and skilled, engaged in a contest with Chief Guard Keen, with Keen ultimately losing.
However, the prince bestowed upon Keen a sword symbolizing loyalty, forging a strong friendship between them. Amidst this, whispers circulated among the girls about the prince being a bastard, with the King reportedly calling him a "bastard." On the Dragon Lady's birthday, she received a reed pen, which made her feel blessed by the gods.
At that moment, she resolved to write the prince's story, a new chapter entirely different from the King's history, and from then on, she fell deeply in love. She prayed for the gods to anoint the prince, shower him with compassion, lead him away from violence, fill his heart with love, and let him be immersed in love with a woman. Suddenly, Mei Ru woke up in a hospital bed, realizing it was all a dream.
She remembered the Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's murderous glare, the ominous flock of crows, and the simultaneous collapse of Murong Jielun, Ouyang Wen Shan, and the Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady. A busy nurse informed Mei Ru about the chaotic situation due to a storm, a power plant outage, and numerous traffic accidents. Mei Ru described the three individuals as mixed-race, who had suddenly collapsed with symptoms of drowning. The nurse directed her to the ICU on the twelfth floor.
Despite her own external injuries and the broken elevators, Mei Ru immediately began climbing the stairs. Upon reaching the ICU, Mei Ru found Jiang Hui Zhen anxiously waiting, still dressed in her performance attire. The two friends embraced, comforting each other. Jiang Hui Zhen explained that the doctors had diagnosed the three with severe drowning, leading to a deep coma, a rare condition that required an emergency medical team.
Mei Ru recounted her vision of the crows and the Dragon Lady's attack, suggesting it felt supernatural, similar to when they first appeared from the diary. They both suspected a "soul connection" between the three and the diary. Realizing the diary was crucial, Mei Ru and Jiang Hui Zhen went to find Duan Shuiliu, who was having his wound bandaged.
Duan Shuiliu, unaware of the gravity of the situation, thought they had come to visit him and initially believed the Dragon Lady had simply "calmed down" or "gone home." Mei Ru pressed him, asking if he still intended to show the diary to the Dragon Lady. Jiang Hui Zhen reminded him of his earlier promise to burn it, to which Duan Shuiliu defiantly admitted he had not.
When told about the critical condition of Murong Jielun, Ouyang Wen Shan, and the Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady in the ICU, Duan Shuiliu became distraught and attempted to rush into the unit, but Jiang Hui Zhen restrained him, reminding him of his unbandaged wound. A frustrated nurse, exasperated by his lack of cooperation, confirmed that medical waste had been disposed of.
Duan Shuiliu then realized his bag containing the diary was gone, and the nurse further confirmed it had already been taken away by the garbage truck. Understanding the urgency, Jiang Hui Zhen told Mei Ru to return to the ICU to watch over their friends while she and Duan Shuiliu chased the garbage truck. After a frantic chase, they finally caught up and frantically searched through the garbage. They found Duan Shuiliu's bag, but the diary was not inside.
Jiang Hui Zhen suggested the diary might have been left at the incident site. Duan Shuiliu then remembered the company's water pool, where the diary might have been washed away during the storm. Avoiding security, they searched the pool in the dark and miraculously found the diary. Back at the hospital, Duan Shuiliu and Jiang Hui Zhen examined the retrieved diary. Despite being submerged in the water, the paper was miraculously dry.
However, upon opening it, they saw bloodstains spreading across its pages, confirming the diary's supernatural nature. At the same moment, the medical team in the ICU frantically reported that the patients were vomiting blood, their blood pressure was critically low, and their vital signs were rapidly deteriorating. The doctors discovered that their lungs and thoracic cavities were filling with blood, not water, diagnosing their condition as "hemothorax," and warned that they were at risk of dying from it.
Mei Ru, holding the diary, recalled a childhood memory of being hit by a soccer ball, causing blood to drip onto its pages. She realized that the bloodstains on the diary were hers, directly linking her past to the present suffering of the three. Overwhelmed with guilt and sorrow, Mei Ru felt that everything was her fault. She sat on a park bench, the diary clasped in her hands, and prayed to the heavens.
She apologized to Murong Jielun, the Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, and Ouyang Wen Shan for bringing them into this world and failing to protect them. She blamed herself for her past unwillingness to accept them and for her current "despicable" self. She pleaded for them to wake up, expressing her willingness to pay any price to save them. As Mei Ru's tears fell, her prayer seemed to be heard. Simultaneously, back in the hospital, the three patients in the ICU, Murong Jielun, Ouyang Wen Shan, and the Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, all miraculously regained consciousness.
Episode 12 Recap
Murong Jielun had a terrifying dream where he tried to save Mei Ru from a sweeping flood that eventually engulfed them both. Afterward, Jiang Hui Zhen rushed to Mei Ru, who was praying on a bench, to tell her that all three individuals had regained consciousness. Mei Ru looked at her diary and saw that the bloodstains were indeed starting to fade.
She tenderly touched Murong Jielun’s face, recalling the brave girl who once wrote about love, and then remembering how Murong had offered to cleanse her of misfortune in the name of love. Mei Ru confessed that she needed his protection and his love, realizing that she had truly fallen for him, even if he originated from her diary. Meanwhile, Duan Shuiliu had a new stitch on his forehead, but he was delighted because Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady was awake.
She asked him if there was something he hadn't told her. Duan Shuiliu decided to reveal the truth about the diary, explaining that she was not at fault, but rather the diary's "setting" prevented her from being with Murong Jielun. He explained that she was the most special person in the world, born from a 12-year-old girl’s fantasy world, created by a pen, making her more precious and rare than anyone else.
He clarified that his past pursuit of Mei Ru was due to his interest in Dragon Lady, not Mei Ru herself, calling it a great misunderstanding. He attempted to explain the meaning of life, using examples of chickens hatching from eggs and even an electronic pet, ultimately conveying that his life found meaning after meeting her, emphasizing that what matters is how life is lived, not where it begins. Jiang Hui Zhen went to see Ouyang Wen Shan.
When a nurse asked if she was family, she denied it, causing nurses to mock her, calling her just an "opera actor." However, upon overhearing nurses gossiping about a patient with urinary incontinence, she mistakenly assumed it was Ouyang Wen Shan. She sarcastically confronted them, then claimed to be Ouyang's family, declaring she would personally take care of him. When Ouyang returned, Hui Zhen was overly solicitous, even attempting to check his trousers.
Ouyang chuckled, informing her that the patient with incontinence was next door, not him, and playfully pinched her cheek. Mei Ru, recalling the diary, remembered writing about Ouyang's intense, free-spirited, and avant-garde emotions. She had also written in the diary that Jiang Hui Zhen didn't care about Ouyang Wen Shan's wealthy status; they were drawn by primitive passion but never promised forever because Hui Zhen was "super cool."
Hui Zhen then held the crown Ouyang had given her for a performance, lost in thought. Murong Jielun continued to have disturbing dreams, remembering fragments but unable to recall details. He suddenly woke up and, seeing Mei Ru approaching with food, embraced her tightly, relieved she was safe. Mei Ru was happy, now knowing whom she truly loved. She affectionately cared for him, feeding him, but Murong apologized for having frightened her.
Mei Ru inadvertently expressed her love, stating that women could also protect men, not just the other way around. Murong, still somewhat shaken, asked for more rest. Mei Ru went outside and reread her old diary. She stumbled upon a passage about "unexpected tribulations" and wondered why she had written such dramatic things, questioning if she was "sick."
However, she then felt grateful to Duan Shuiliu for not burning the diary; otherwise, Murong Jielun would not have come into her life. She wished she could be as carefree and "talk thoughtlessly" as Duan Shuiliu to change the diary's ending. Later, Duan Shuiliu and Jiang Hui Zhen confronted Mei Ru, disagreeing about her keeping the diary. During their argument, Duan Shuiliu accidentally revealed a past secret: he and Hui Zhen had an "ambiguous relationship."
Hui Zhen quickly interjected that she never spoke of it because she felt ashamed, believing she was "blinded." Despite the awkward revelation, they agreed that Murong Jielun should not know about the diary's existence, as he was quite depressed. Hui Zhen argued that both Mei Ru and Duan Shuiliu were too emotionally involved ("concern leads to confusion") and prone to making mistakes.
She claimed to be the most rational one among them and insisted on keeping the diary, which they ultimately conceded to her. That night, Murong Jielun, still plagued by strange dreams, discussed their mysterious collapse and the bizarre "blood drowning" with Ouyang Wen Shan, concluding that the situation was more difficult than they imagined. Murong confided that he had another strange dream where he met a person he felt he knew but couldn't recall, sensing danger approaching.
In his dream, Nanna, the lunar deity, appeared, telling him that his tribulations were not her decree. Instead, they were caused by the writings of two maidens and triggered a "mysterious power of the universe," leading to "spacetime chaos." Nanna revealed the ancient history: the King, fearing his illegitimate son, the Prince, would overshadow him, sought to kill him.
A historian, secretly in love with the Prince, defied the King by carving a "maiden's prayer" on a clay tablet, wishing for a girl to love the Prince and inspire his compassion. During a blood moon, she sacrificed herself at the altar, her blood mingling with the text. Simultaneously, in the modern era, under another blood moon, Mei Ru also wrote about the "Babylonian Prince" in her diary, her nosebleed staining the pages.
The two maidens' blood, spilled on their writings, became a "bond linking time and space," causing the Prince to escape his fate and the characters to be transported to the present day, compelled to fulfill the diary's narrative. Nanna instructed Murong that to restore everything, he must find the modern girl who wrote the diary and "re-enact the ritual under the blood moon."
Episode 13 Recap
Murong Jielun is increasingly disturbed by ominous dreams and visions. He hears the voice of Nanna, the great Moon God, revealing that their current reality is shaped by the writings of two girls, who have twisted time and space through their diaries. They are now compelled to follow the events described in these diaries, and the key to resolution lies in finding the modern girl who wrote them and reenacting a ritual under the blood moon.
Before these revelations, Murong Jielun, Chen Meiru, and Ouyang Wen Shan had discussed the diary's significance. Ouyang Wen Shan, asserting his clarity and wisdom, took responsibility for safeguarding it, emphasizing the need to keep its existence a secret from Murong Jielun to prevent further complications, especially given Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's unpredictable nature. Later, while changing clothes with Ouyang Wen Shan, Murong Jielun senses an approaching danger, believing it's directly connected to him.
Ouyang Wen Shan, however, identifies Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady as their primary threat, remarking that they had underestimated her power, her intense love for Murong Jielun, and her deep hatred for Chen Meiru. Murong Jielun vows not to let Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady off lightly but expresses profound regret for having initially approached Chen Meiru, fearing that his presence continually brings her harm. He hopes it isn't too late to change things.
The next day, Chen Meiru brings a silver basin and garlic, setting up candles to perform a ritual for Murong Jielun. She explains that he had previously taught her about pious rituals bringing blessings, and having seen her Second Uncle perform one for him, she believes it could be helpful. Murong Jielun, initially suggesting a different approach, eventually accepts her earnest efforts.
He expresses that she shouldn't be doing this for him, but Chen Meiru insists, stating that if he can do things for her, she can do the same for him. Her dedication only deepens Murong Jielun's guilt, prompting him to decide he must resolve the looming dangers himself to protect her from further harm. Meanwhile, Duan Shuiliu visits Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady in the hospital, bringing her noodles.
He is surprised to find her holding a baby and initially worries she stole it, reminding her it's illegal. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady explains that holding the baby helped her understand life's true meaning: to express oneself genuinely, just like a baby who cries when sad and laughs when happy, taking what it wants and sleeping when tired, without complicated thoughts.
Realizing the baby was only temporarily in her care, Duan Shuiliu expresses relief and encourages her to embrace this newfound understanding, to discard Chen Meiru's predetermined narratives, do what she loves, and live her own brilliant life, unaffected by her origins. Although initially agreeable, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady declares her intention to seek out Murong Jielun, stating he is "her kind" and has also been "bewitched" by Chen Meiru.
This deeply disappoints Duan Shuiliu, who believed she was finally letting go of her obsession. She insists she needs to warn Murong Jielun about Chen Meiru. Jiang Hui Zhen securely locks her diary in a cabinet, placing it alongside a photo of the Sichuan Opera Queen, vowing to protect its secrets. Soon after, a troupe member arrives, knocking and calling for her.
The member informs Jiang Hui Zhen that the entire troupe will interrogate her the next day regarding the disastrous premiere, which was ruined because she left to take Ouyang Wen Shan to the hospital. The member notes that almost no one in the troupe is speaking to her. Jiang Hui Zhen admits her mistake, stating she would accept any punishment.
She confesses that she is indeed "that simple" and that abandoning the performance for Ouyang Wen Shan was worth it, acknowledging that while she let everyone down, including herself, she would make the same choice again if given the chance. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, having decided to warn Murong Jielun, also reflects on Ouyang Wen Shan's role, realizing she had manipulated Chen Meiru into writing him as the second male lead in the diary.
She believes he should have been serving her dreams, not the other way around. She then seeks out Murong Jielun at the hospital, where she is directed to the rooftop. There, after a brief mistaken confrontation with another foreigner, she finds Murong Jielun and attempts to reveal the secret of the diary, exposing Chen Meiru as the orchestrator manipulating their lives. Murong Jielun dismisses her accusations, believing her to be merely slandering Chen Meiru.
Ouyang Wen Shan sides with Murong Jielun, blaming Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's impulsive actions for their collective injuries. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady angrily retorts, calling them foolish and insisting Chen Meiru is the true mastermind, dictating their actions through her diary.
Enraged by what he perceives as relentless slander against Chen Meiru and recalling the harm she endured, Murong Jielun, despite his usual restraint, declares he will break his rule against harming women and attempts to kill Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady. Ouyang Wen Shan intervenes, urging her to leave, but she defiantly refuses. Murong Jielun, his eyes filled with contempt, pushes Ouyang Wen Shan aside and begins to choke Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, demanding she pay for Chen Meiru's suffering.
Ouyang Wen Shan manages to pull him off, reminding him that Chen Meiru would never wish him to become a murderer and that he would be unable to explain such an act to her. Heartbroken and realizing that Murong Jielun will never truly see or love her, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady declares him unworthy.
She decides to keep the diary's secret, stating that she will now watch as Murong Jielun and Chen Meiru walk hand-in-hand into a "grave" dug by Chen Meiru, destined to be surrounded by endless dangers and never find peace. After this confrontation, Murong Jielun, after experiencing another vision from Nanna that confirms Chen Meiru is the modern girl who wrote the diary, confirms his intention to leave.
He explains to Ouyang Wen Shan that Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady was right about one thing: Chen Meiru will never be safe as long as he is near her, as all the troubles stem from him. He feels compelled to act for her sake and asks Ouyang Wen Shan to convey a message to Chen Meiru should he not return: she should live a good life, as if he had never been part of it.
Immediately after Murong Jielun departs, the Ancient Babylonian King, who Murong Jielun had heard speak in a dream as Nanna, suddenly reveals himself to Ouyang Wen Shan. The King, having previously collaborated with Ouyang Wen Shan on copyright matters, expresses continued interest in the information Ouyang Wen Shan provided and looks forward to future collaborations.
The King then asks if Jiang Hui Zhen, the girl important to Ouyang Wen Shan, has adapted "their story" (referring to the events linked to the diary) into a play. Ouyang Wen Shan confirms she hasn't yet but vows to make her a big star. The Ancient Babylonian King, expressing an interest in modern medicine in addition to Babylonian civilization, requests a quiet, undisturbed space. Ouyang Wen Shan offers him a vacant basement in the building, assuring him privacy.
Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady and Duan Shuiliu return to their former residence. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady insists on keeping a low profile, even closing the curtains, stating she needs to be cautious. Duan Shuiliu observes her desire to constantly watch Murong Jielun, misinterpreting it as continued love, which she doesn't correct directly but confirms her need to observe him to "survive."
She finds a silver basin she brought back, which she explains is a reminder of the previous night's incident on the rooftop where Murong Jielun almost killed her. The near-death experience has shaken her, making her realize how dangerous Murong Jielun is and solidifying her break with him. Feeling she must continue to watch him, but wanting to make it easier for her, Duan Shuiliu offers to buy her a high-powered telescope so she doesn't strain her eyes.
During a full-troupe meeting, the leader publicly criticizes Jiang Hui Zhen for abandoning the premiere, imposing an indefinite probation. Jiang Hui Zhen accepts the punishment, apologizing for letting everyone down and offering to take a three-month hiatus from performing to work odd jobs for the troupe, pledging never to perform again if she fails a second time.
However, a fellow troupe member passionately defends her, revealing that Jiang Hui Zhen abandoned the performance because Ouyang Wen Shan collapsed backstage, making it impossible for her to go on stage. Ouyang Wen Shan then dramatically appears, confirming he was the one Jiang Hui Zhen saved. Overhearing the extent of her sacrifice, he is deeply moved.
He tries to prevent her punishment by offering the troupe a significant financial compensation for all their losses, threatening to withdraw all funding if she is disciplined. The troupe leader, influenced by the money, agrees to lift her punishment. However, Jiang Hui Zhen is furious. She confronts Ouyang Wen Shan, asking who gave him the right to interfere with money. She asserts that the troupe is where her dreams began and that harming any member is tantamount to harming her.
She declares that while they accept sponsorships, they cannot be bought. Ouyang Wen Shan, believing he is supporting her dream of becoming a star, expresses confusion at her rejection. Jiang Hui Zhen argues that he only understands money, not the warmth of human connection, and that he insults her by thinking he can buy her dreams.
She tells him to leave with his money, accusing him of being self-centered, hypocritical, and cowardly for only caring about his own feelings, not hers, and for refusing to believe in miracles or genuine emotions. Ouyang Wen Shan, hurt and convinced she regrets sacrificing for him, states he will "cease to exist" for her so she can maintain her "cool" demeanor, and walks away. Jiang Hui Zhen watches him leave, unable to speak or call out to him.
Episode 14 Recap
Feeling unworthy to be Chen Mei Ru's prince and burdened by responsibility for her safety, Murong Jielun stood shirtless in the forest, attempting an act of self-sacrifice by offering his liver to ensure her well-being. His act was interrupted when Mei Ru's Second Uncle intervened, throwing a stone. Second Uncle humorously, yet pointedly, questioned the medical suitability of Murong's liver and suggested other organs, before sarcastically proposing he offer his brain, as it seemed "useless anyway."
He claimed his remarks were merely an "academic lecture" on Murong's flawed methods. Meanwhile, a frantic Chen Mei Ru sought out Jiang Hui Zhen, distressed that Murong Jielun had disappeared from the hospital. She recounted Murong's unsettling conversation with Ouyang Wen Shan and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady the day before, and her inability to find him since waking up.
Jiang Hui Zhen, herself heartbroken and exasperated after an argument with Ouyang Wen Shan, revealed that he too was missing, and she had locked the diary away for safety. Despite their earlier desire to break free from the diary's influence, both women confessed their deep-seated emotional attachment to these characters, realizing they had become much more than just "set roles." Jiang Hui Zhen, noting Mei Ru's emotional distress, urged her to go home, rest, and await Murong's return.
Following their unusual encounter, Second Uncle escorted Murong Jielun to his home. Back home, Chen Mei Ru had a startling dream about a strange old man, but was woken up by a phone call from Second Aunt. Second Aunt informed her that Murong Jielun was at their house with Second Uncle, Hu Zhan Qi, and urged Mei Ru to come quickly as Hu Zhan Qi was "egging him on to die."
Upon their arrival, Second Aunt chastised her husband, Hu Zhan Qi, for his reckless talk of death and self-sacrifice, reminding him of her hard work and their niece's boyfriend's importance. Murong Jielun assured Second Aunt that his "academic discussion" with Second Uncle had enlightened him; he now understood that harming himself would also cause Mei Ru pain.
Observing the affectionate banter between Second Uncle and Second Aunt, Murong Jielun shared his profound love for Mei Ru, describing her delicate features and endearing habits in great detail. Second Uncle then told Murong Jielun that as an extraordinary individual, he and Mei Ru were "destined to face extraordinary challenges." Second Aunt invited Murong Jielun to a student's wedding feast, promising food if he helped with chores.
With his heart now full of concern for Mei Ru, Murong Jielun gave his sword to Second Uncle for safekeeping and left with Second Aunt for the wedding. Elsewhere, Duan Shuiliu and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady had returned to their previous routine. Dragon Lady, equipped with binoculars, meticulously observed the city streets. Having recently learned about her origins, she perceived the world through a new lens, identifying "brands of the poor" and "slave carriages."
She misunderstood a kind act as theft and a kissing couple as violently "biting each other." Upon seeing a group of elderly people engaged in square dancing, she mistakenly believed they were under a "curse" from Chen Mei Ru's diary, bound by a "setting" similar to her own. She passionately declared her intention to "awaken them" and liberate them from Chen Mei Ru's control.
Duan Shuiliu, wary of the trouble she might cause, tried to explain that square dancing was merely a cultural activity. Unable to dissuade her, he gently took the binoculars from her and suggested they go for supper instead. Before their supper, three influencers from Duan Shuiliu's company were approached by a rival named Wang Damei, who attempted to poach them. When the influencers refused, Wang Damei brought a group to threaten them.
Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady appeared, initially not recognizing the influencers. Duan Shuiliu quickly arrived to intervene. Dragon Lady, angered by Wang Damei's aggression, almost used her powers of wind and rain, but refrained, remembering they were "set" by Chen Mei Ru. Instead, she urged Duan Shuiliu to fight. Duan Shuiliu was initially overwhelmed by Wang Damei's thugs.
However, when Dragon Lady herself was threatened, Duan Shuiliu became enraged and single-handedly defeated all the attackers with a fluid display of martial arts. Dragon Lady expressed great pride in his heroism. As Wang Damei threatened to call the police, Duan Shuiliu and Dragon Lady quickly fled the scene together. Later, Duan Shuiliu was startled awake by Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's intense gaze.
The doorbell then rang, revealing his three former influencers, who had come to apologize and pledge their renewed loyalty to him after his heroic rescue. Recognizing Dragon Lady's importance to Duan Shuiliu, they showered her with compliments and snacks, calling her "Duan Shuiliu's lady," a title she did not refute. They playfully teased her about her deep affection for Duan Shuiliu, suggesting her eyes were "full of him" and that she shouldn't let him out of her sight.
They even advised her to perform an "eye-staring test" to confirm their bond. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady agreed to their suggestions, even preventing Duan Shuiliu from leaving to buy breakfast. During the eye-staring test, Duan Shuiliu’s attention was drawn to a peculiar old man, a foreigner, entering Chen Mei Ru's apartment building across the street. Feeling a sense of unease, he hurried over to investigate.
Inside Mei Ru's apartment, he encountered the old man, who appeared to be searching for something. Pretending to be a neighbor in need of a lighter, Duan Shuiliu introduced himself. The old man responded, "Sin."
Episode 15 Recap
Mei Ru, still upset with Murong Jielun for leaving, expressed her frustration as she peeled an excessive amount of garlic for Second Aunt's upcoming feast. Her hands were burning, and she playfully blamed Murong Jielun for running away and then getting caught by Second Aunt. When Murong Jielun came to see her in the room, she even playfully kicked him with her feet, a gentle and loving gesture that seemed like affectionate teasing.
Murong Jielun apologized sincerely, explaining that he had left because he believed he was a source of misfortune and harm for her, citing incidents like the crows. He thought that by leaving, Mei Ru would be able to live a safe and peaceful life. However, Mei Ru firmly told him it was too late for such thoughts, as she had fallen deeply in love with him.
She declared that she would now risk her life for him and would never abandon him, insisting that he must not leave her either. Mei Ru clarified that the strange phenomena, including the crows, were not his fault but rather connected to things around her, which she was prepared to face. She emphasized that the only thing she could not bear was his disappearance. Murong Jielun, moved by her words, hugged her tightly.
He confessed that without her, time dragged on, and he constantly longed for her, fearing the passage of time without her by his side. Mei Ru, touched, affectionately teased him for speaking like a love expert but acting foolishly. She then made him promise to never leave her again.
Murong Jielun swore to Chen Mei Ru that he would never leave her without reason, even vowing to die by her side, a phrase Mei Ru quickly told him not to utter. Later that night, under the moonlight, Mei Ru and Murong Jielun shared a tender kiss. They found themselves transported to Wushan, where they cherished being alone, away from Second Aunt, whom both admitted they feared. The next day, Mei Ru and Murong Jielun attended the wedding.
Having helped Second Aunt with preparations earlier, Murong Jielun was excited to finally be able to "eat and drink as much as he wants." During the bride and groom’s grand entrance, Murong Jielun was startled by confetti, mistaking it for danger, but Mei Ru quickly reassured him. He found the wedding ceremonies intriguing, despite Mei Ru’s cynical view that marriage was merely about the "mundane parts of life" and that the host's romanticized descriptions were "hypocritical."
Unexpectedly, Second Aunt called Mei Ru to give a speech. Although unprepared, Mei Ru reluctantly stepped forward and delivered a heartfelt address on love and marriage. Murong Jielun was deeply impressed and, moved by her words, told her he loved weddings and wanted to marry her, prompting Mei Ru to quickly tell him to "eat up" to hide her blushing.
As the reception concluded, Mei Ru and Murong Jielun attempted to leave early but were stopped by the host for the "tell who's the bride" game, where the groom had to identify his bride by touching the hands of five women hidden behind a screen. After a series of rejections, the groom confidently chose Mei Ru, mistakenly pulling her from behind the screen. Murong Jielun immediately rushed forward, loudly proclaiming, "Chen Mei Ru is mine!"
The groom then revealed his face, and to Mei Ru's astonishment, he was Chen Jinxin, her childhood crush. Meanwhile, Duan Shuiliu was still absorbed in sketching the old man’s face, but the more he drew, the more he felt something was wrong. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady tried to get his attention, believing, based on the internet celebrities' advice, that his absent-mindedness was a sign of unfaithfulness.
Duan Shuiliu, frustrated by their "blabbering" and "value output," asked his three internet celebrity employees, who were seeking to renew their contract, to use their fan network to investigate the foreigner named Sin. Gigi, one of the internet celebrities, later delivered her "findings" to Dragon Lady, claiming Sin was a mathematician who loved to sleep, possibly from Singapore.
She continued with an irrational analysis, concluding that Sin was a "seductress" who had charmed Ouyang Wen Shan and could potentially toy with Duan Shuiliu. Influenced by these suspicions and Gigi’s flattery that Sin couldn't compare to the Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, Dragon Lady declared she would go to Ouyang Wen Shan’s hospital to confront this woman. Dragon Lady then sent Duan Shuiliu to buy white glutinous cake.
While waiting for the cake, Duan Shuiliu contacted a friend at the police department, asking him to use AI and facial recognition to identify the suspicious foreigner from his drawing. As he waited, he noticed a woman on a motorcycle speeding by. Upon returning home with the cake, he found a note from Gigi confirming that "Ms. Dragon went out for a woman's business."
Realizing the woman on the motorcycle was Dragon Lady, he immediately tried calling Gigi, but her phone was unreachable. He then discovered his motorcycle keys were missing, and its GPS showed it was heading towards Ouyang Wen Shan's hospital. Duan Shuiliu rushed out to find her. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady arrived at the hospital basement, expecting to find a "seductress." To her surprise, the person who greeted her was a man. He introduced himself as Sin-Muballit.
Dragon Lady was momentarily confused, as she could somehow understand his words, and realized Sin was indeed a man. Relieved that her concerns about a rival "seductress" were unfounded, she prepared to leave. However, Sin-Muballit offered her a drink, noting that he doesn't often receive guests and that they were both "extraordinary people."
Episode 16 Recap
Duan Shuiliu, who had been investigating a foreigner named Sin, learned from a friend that Sin was an Iraqi collector located at Ouyang Wen Shan's hospital. Duan Shuiliu was puzzled by Ouyang Wen Shan's connection to Sin. Realizing his motorcycle keys were missing, he used a GPS tracker to locate his motorbike, finding it headed towards Ouyang Wen Shan's hospital, confirming Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady had gone there.
Meanwhile, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady arrived at the hospital basement to confront Sin, whom she believed was a cunning woman trying to manipulate Duan Shuiliu. However, she was surprised to find Sin-Muballit was a man. Sin, noticing her initial intent to leave, offered her an exotic wine that felt strangely familiar to her.
He confessed to feeling like an outsider in the world and wondered if others shared his experience, like a man he had seen at the hospital with similar, unbelonging eyes. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady immediately recognized this man as Murong Jielun, her "special prince." Sin expressed interest in meeting Murong Jielun, citing his own loneliness and desire for friends. He felt it was fate that Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady had come to him, allowing him to share his feelings.
Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady then revealed that she understood his sentiment, explaining that her previous love for the prince was an artificial destiny set by Chen Meiru's diary. She confided that both she and Murong Jielun originated from Chen Meiru's writings, which dictated their lives and destinies. She added that even with her feelings for Murong Jielun fading, she still harbored a strong hatred for Chen Meiru.
She then proudly stated that thanks to Duan Shuiliu revealing the truth, she had broken free from Chen Meiru's control and was now a free person, capable of discerning her own desires and, most importantly, realizing her love for Duan Shuiliu. Sin, in turn, expressed envy, wishing he too knew his origin and destiny, and then subtly inquired about the diary's whereabouts. Just as Sin asked about the diary, Duan Shuiliu burst in, interrupting their conversation.
He sternly warned Sin to stay away from Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady and asserted that Sin would never get his hands on the diary. Sin retorted, suggesting Duan Shuiliu remain a bystander and that ignorance offered safety. Outside, Duan Shuiliu, still worried, apologized to Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady for his abruptness, assuring her that he respected her autonomy but could not bear to see her in danger.
He confessed his worry and love for her, explaining how much he had searched for her and how her disappearance tore him apart. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, moved by his concern, reiterated her newfound freedom and declared she would only follow her own heart, then sealed her declaration with a kiss for Duan Shuiliu. They then rode off on his motorbike, heading home.
Concurrently, at the wedding banquet, Murong Jielun overheard the groom, Chen Jin Xin, mention a diary and his (Chen Jin Xin's) role as its prototype. Murong Jielun later confronted Chen Meiru about these comments. Though Chen Meiru tried to evade, Murong Jielun, having learned to read her emotions, knew she was lying. He pressed her for answers about his connection to her, the diary, and why Chen Jin Xin mentioned his name and prototype status.
Chen Meiru then confessed that at age twelve, she had written a diary, imagining a "mixed-race prince" based on a classmate named Chen Jin Xin, the current groom. She explained that Chen Jin Xin was merely the "starting point" for her fantastical story, and all of Murong Jielun's traits, including his bravery and singular love for her, were creations of her imagination.
Murong Jielun was heartbroken by the revelation, feeling like a "fake person," a mere "surrogate" or "shadow" without a true existence. Overwhelmed by anger and sadness, he felt empty, lacking a past, and needing to learn everything from scratch, describing himself as living in mid-air and speaking words he didn't understand.
He insisted that he was "fake" and ordered Chen Meiru not to call him by his name again, telling her to let go and stop pestering him before walking away. Distraught, Chen Meiru silently apologized for her deception, admitting she had hidden the truth out of fear of losing him.
She affirmed that despite his origins, his presence had made her the happiest girl in the world, and she refused to give up on their relationship, pledging her life and story to him. Later, as Chen Meiru walked alone, a man in a car harassed her, but Murong Jielun suddenly appeared, smashing the car. He saved her but remained conflicted, torn between his love for her and the pain of being her creation.
He questioned if his emotions—his anger, his heartache, his desire to both leave and embrace her—were also predetermined. Chen Meiru reassured him of his worth, affirming he was her prince, and that her joy in his presence was real. Moved by her words, Murong Jielun embraced her tightly. Later, Duan Shuiliu met Ouyang Wen Shan at a restaurant. After a playful squabble over ordering food, Duan Shuiliu questioned Ouyang Wen Shan about Sin-Muballit, the foreigner in his basement.
Ouyang Wen Shan clarified that Sin was a scholar and collector who had provided the copyright for Jiang Hui Zhen's Babylonian love story performance, assuming Jiang Hui Zhen had informed Duan Shuiliu. Duan Shuiliu noted that Jiang Hui Zhen hadn't contacted him since Ouyang Wen Shan became involved with her. He warned Ouyang Wen Shan that Sin was dangerous and might be targeting them, mentioning Sin's suspicious demeanor and a previous attempt to search Chen Meiru's home.
Duan Shuiliu brought up the "diary" as a potential key to understanding the situation. Ouyang Wen Shan's reaction indicated he knew about the diary, confirming he had seen a "yellow-covered book" in Jiang Hui Zhen's cabinet. Duan Shuiliu stressed that his primary concern was Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's safety and warned Ouyang Wen Shan to handle Sin, holding him responsible since he introduced Sin.
He threatened Ouyang Wen Shan with severe consequences if he discovered any collusion or secrets involving Sin, himself, and Jiang Hui Zhen. Ouyang Wen Shan promised to investigate everything but also commented on Duan Shuiliu mentioning Jiang Hui Zhen's name too frequently. Back at home, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady waited for Duan Shuiliu downstairs. Duan Shuiliu playfully chided her for her earlier dangerous act of rushing towards his motorbike.
Duan Shuiliu presented her with a GPS bracelet, explaining it would allow her to see his location anytime, ensuring her peace of mind. As he showed her their respective locations on the device, she exclaimed with joy, "We are really together." She then lightheartedly told him she would head inside and monitor his progress home.
Episode 17 Recap
Ouyang Wen Shan returned to the hospital, replaying his previous conversation with Duan Shuiliu. A growing sense of unease settled upon him, making him question everything, even the diary. He sought out Sin in the basement lent to him, where the sudden appearance of a crow reminded him of unsettling encounters he and Murong Jielun had experienced before.
Sin seemed to have been expecting Ouyang Wen Shan, remarking on their shared understanding despite Ouyang Wen Shan's previous promise not to disturb him. Ouyang Wen Shan subtly probed, questioning if Sin was merely a scholar, sensing he had greatly underestimated him. He recognized the distinct scent emanating from Sin, identical to the solid perfume Sin had given him earlier, the one that had nearly caused Murong Jielun to lose control.
Sin, unfazed, admitted the perfume was just one of his many tools. When pressed for his true identity, Sin revealed Ouyang Wen Shan's ancient name, Keane, and led him to a stone tablet. Looking at the tablet, Ouyang Wen Shan was overwhelmed by a vision of Babylon, a majestic empire guided by the lunar deity, conquering all in its path. Sin urged Keane to remember his true name, suggesting he recall the pain endured by his kin.
Meanwhile, Mei Ru and Murong Jielun walked along the path leading into the city, a route Mei Ru used to take with Jiang Hui Zhen as a child. She reminisced about the pink flowers that bloomed there each spring, which they would use to dye their nails. Mei Ru pointed out her old elementary school and the large tree where Jiang Hui Zhen first overheard her reading from her diary.
She shared how her hometown had become a painful memory due to the diary, which exposed her to ridicule and made her feel that an ordinary girl like Chen Mei Ru could never be loved by a prince. However, she told Murong Jielun that his presence had allowed her to rediscover the beauty in her surroundings and her past.
She realized that fantasizing about a profound love was not a sin and that for the sake of love, one could even create a world. Murong Jielun thanked the individual who had provided the inspiration for Mei Ru to create him and ultimately taught him how to love. He promised Mei Ru he would care for her, just as her twelve-year-old self had taught him love when he knew nothing of it.
As Sin continued to reveal Ouyang Wen Shan's past, Ouyang Wen Shan felt memories flooding his mind, depicting Murong Jielun as an enemy who had killed his brothers, kidnapped his kin, and instigated wars in ancient Babylon. Sin asserted that Ouyang Wen Shan should despise Murong Jielun, emphasizing a history of conflict and deep-seated vengeance between them, urging him not to befriend Murong Jielun. Sin then proposed they reunite, just as they had in their homeland.
He explained that he needed the diary because it was a "gate" through which they, along with Murong Jielun and the Hittite princess, could escape this modern world and return home, as they were all trapped here by Chen Mei Ru's writings. Sin declared Chen Mei Ru to be the "culprit" who had engineered their destinies.
Despite Ouyang Wen Shan's initial reluctance to betray Jiang Hui Zhen, Sin stressed that their time was running out, warning that if they failed to retrieve the diary, they would all perish irrevocably during the next blood moon. He promised that if Ouyang Wen Shan cooperated, his kin would be freed.
At home, Duan Shuiliu was delighted to find Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady waiting for him on the balcony, now showing off newly acquired domestic skills like buying breakfast and doing laundry, which she learned by observing other women through binoculars. Their locator bracelets kept them connected, and she affectionately chided him for being too far away.
They affirmed their love and their shared desire to break free from the diary's "setting" and defy any destiny, vowing to face all challenges together and never leave each other. Later, Jiang Hui Zhen was at the theater, looking at a performance costume Ouyang Wen Shan had given her. Ouyang Wen Shan arrived, appearing distraught, and pushed over a mannequin wearing the costume, declaring that costumes not worn on stage were useless.
Jiang Hui Zhen angrily demanded he leave, rejecting his previous offers to help her achieve her dreams. Ouyang Wen Shan, in despair, expressed that fulfilling her dream was his sole purpose, a chance she had now squandered forever. He questioned why she kept the "worthless" costume if he himself was now without value. He confessed his deep longing for her, stating she was the only person he wanted to see and talk to.
Jiang Hui Zhen, touched by his vulnerability, embraced him, admitting she missed him too and was unhappy running errands at the troupe. She expressed her desire to be with him and pursue her dreams not just for herself, but for him as well, embracing vulnerability as a fair price for their love. Ouyang Wen Shan, however, whispered an apology, expressing his wish to be just Ouyang Wen Shan, free from his ancient memories and the pain they brought.
The next morning, Jiang Hui Zhen rushed to Duan Shuiliu, panicked that her diary was gone. Duan Shuiliu immediately suspected Ouyang Wen Shan, but Jiang Hui Zhen adamantly refused to believe it, asserting Ouyang Wen Shan knew nothing of the diary. However, another troupe member confirmed Ouyang Wen Shan had visited her room the previous night. Duan Shuiliu then suspected Sin, recalling that he had previously hinted at the diary.
He furiously confronted Sin in his basement, finding Ouyang Wen Shan already there. Duan Shuiliu accused Sin of being a "thief" and a "schemer" who used women as pawns, realizing Ouyang Wen Shan had betrayed him by aligning with Sin and helping him steal the diary. Sin, in turn, threatened Duan Shuiliu's life, asserting that anything he desired would be his. Ouyang Wen Shan, now referring to Sin as the "true King of Babylon," warned Duan Shuiliu to leave.
As Sin prepared to attack Duan Shuiliu with an illusion, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady arrived, having followed Duan Shuiliu's locator bracelet. She bravely intercepted Sin's attempt, defiantly proclaiming her loyalty to Duan Shuiliu and denouncing Sin as "evil." In the struggle, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's hand inadvertently touched the stone tablet, causing her eyes to glaze over as she was flooded with disturbing memories of her past imprisonment in a water dungeon in ancient Babylon.
Episode 18 Recap
Following Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's accidental touch of a mystical wooden plank, which caused her to "blacken" and recall painful memories of her past, Sin now confronts her. He reminds her of her true identity as Geen, the Princess of Hittite, urging her to remember her kin and past suffering. He suggests she now knows who her true allies are. Dragon Lady scoffs, refusing to be addressed by her title from him.
She turns her anger to Ouyang Wen Shan, calling him a "traitor" and dismissing his "ridiculous doomed relationship" with the Prince. She firmly states that she will never align with them, regardless of their schemes. Sin warns that they all must unite, or they will vanish forever on the "blood moon night." Dragon Lady rejects his authority, asking why she should obey him, and then forcefully leaves with Duan Shuiliu.
Outside, Duan Shuiliu observes that Dragon Lady is behaving unusually and asks what happened. She tells him to stop looking for her from now on. He wonders if she is angry because he left her to confront others, promising not to do it again and expressing concern for the diary's safety. Dragon Lady dismisses his worries, declaring that the diary no longer matters, nor does anything else.
She instructs him not to fight for her, care for her, or search for her if she leaves, stating that she must forge her own path. Confused and frightened, Duan Shuiliu questions her words, but Dragon Lady is resolute. She returns his locator watch and tells him to stop following her, declaring that "it's over" as they are fundamentally different people and must return to their respective places. Duan Shuiliu is left stunned and alone.
Ouyang Wen Shan is engrossed in Chen Meiru's diary, reading passages that describe her love for Jiang Hui Zhen, detailing how Ouyang Wen Shan's unconditional love for Jiang Hui Zhen and her pure soul fostered a profound connection based on fundamental passion, and how he, second only to Chen Meiru, understood her best and quietly fulfilled her dreams.
Having recently recalled fragmented memories of Murong Jielun's past misdeeds, including killing his brother, destroying his tribe, and inciting wars, Sin interrupts, tapping his weird-looking cane on the diary. He remarks that he expected the will of the Prince of Hittite to be unyielding, questioning why Ouyang Wen Shan is still preoccupied with such "insignificant people." Ouyang Wen Shan, already aware of Sin's manipulative nature, directly asks what new task Sin has for him.
Sin states that he needs Murong Jielun, whom he refers to as "that bastard," to make "the right choice," just as Ouyang Wen Shan supposedly has. Murong Jielun and Chen Meiru enjoy a sweet moment in Wushan, a place Meiru cherishes. She reminisces about their first visit and assures him he never embarrasses her.
Meiru leaves to buy tickets, promising Murong Jielun that upon their return, they will have no more secrets and embark on a "serious" and "best" new beginning. Murong Jielun wholeheartedly agrees. While Meiru is gone, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady appears, her demeanor drastically changed. She confronts Murong Jielun, calling him a "blood-thirsty bastard" and demanding he stop calling her Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, a name that now brings her only humiliation.
She reveals her true identity as the Princess of the Hittite Empire and declares Murong Jielun is not Murong Jielun but a "blood-thirsty bastard" and her archenemy. She expresses disbelief at her past infatuation with such a foolish man. She then pronounces a curse upon him: "Those who break the bones of others will themselves be broken. The bastard of Babylon will be condemned by God. What's happening to Babylon right now is just the beginning of everything."
She then asserts that from this day forward, she will not be anyone's pawn and will prevent them from achieving their goals. With a surge of power, she throws Murong Jielun against a nearby wall. Meiru returns to find Murong Jielun on the ground and rushes to his side, asking if he is hurt. He quickly invents a lie, claiming he was "accidentally hit by a car" but is fine, urging her to go home.
Meiru, remembering their earlier promise, gently asks about having "no secrets," to which Murong Jielun simply replies that there will be none. Murong Jielun confronts Ouyang Wen Shan at his dwelling, sensing something is amiss. He describes Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's drastic transformation and her strange claims about the Hittite Empire, a princess, and their past as archenemies.
Murong Jielun admits he no longer hates her, realizing her actions weren't entirely her own, but what she said resonated with his recurring nightmares of "darkness, massacre, and hatred," making him feel he is the cause of crises. He contrasts this with Chen Meiru's belief that her diary created him and their world, offering a chance for a new, secret-free beginning.
Ouyang Wen Shan dismisses the idea of a "rewind button" but echoes Dragon Lady's ominous words: "Those who break the bones of others will themselves be broken." He recounts his own strange experience of spontaneously speaking Akkadian, a language he never learned, hinting at shared pasts that Murong Jielun, as a prince, never cared about.
When Murong Jielun presses for the truth, Ouyang Wen Shan cryptically warns that revealing even "a little of it" would shatter everything between them and between Murong Jielun and Chen Meiru. Despite the dire warning, Murong Jielun insists on knowing, accepting all consequences. Ouyang Wen Shan sarcastically doubts his ability to bear the burden.
As Murong Jielun presses for answers, Ouyang Wen Shan reaffirms that Murong Jielun is indeed a prince, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady a princess, and he himself Murong Jielun's guard. Still, he refuses to simply tell him. Murong Jielun demands to be taken to Ouyang Wen Shan's "new friend" who knows their past. Ouyang Wen Shan agrees but then unexpectedly attacks Murong Jielun with a "blood-thirsty weapon," explaining it’s to help him "recall his memory."
Stunned, Murong Jielun demands to know what is happening between them. Ouyang Wen Shan reveals that his friend is actually Sin, Murong Jielun’s father, the King of Babylon, who hates Murong Jielun as much as he and Dragon Lady do, even calling him a "bastard." Murong Jielun grapples with the shock of having a father who hates him and is also present.
He observes that his enemies not only hate but also fear him, noting a change in his own gaze upon encountering the "blood-thirsty weapon," signifying his proximity to his "true self." Murong Jielun then insists Ouyang Wen Shan take him to this father who wishes him dead. Duan Shuiliu, in a state of alarm, rushes to Jiang Hui Zhen to tell her that a major event is unfolding. Meanwhile, Chen Meiru frantically searches for her lost diary, confirming its disappearance.
Duan Shuiliu immediately suspects Ouyang Wen Shan, pointing out that Ouyang Wen Shan is a cunning individual and his prime suspect if anything happened to the diary. Jiang Hui Zhen, however, is quick to defend Ouyang Wen Shan, dismissing Duan Shuiliu’s accusation as unsubstantiated. Duan Shuiliu insists he witnessed it himself and reveals that Ouyang Wen Shan and Sin have been secretly working together. Jiang Hui Zhen remains in disbelief, asserting Ouyang Wen Shan knows nothing about the diary.
Overwhelmed by the conflicting claims, Chen Meiru asks them to stop arguing, confused about Sin and the supposed alliance. Duan Shuiliu, frustrated, says he is too tired to explain. Duan Shuiliu explains to Chen Meiru and Jiang Hui Zhen that their true origins lie in the ancient Babylonian Empire, thousands of years in the past.
He reveals that Chen Meiru's diary, written twelve years ago, inadvertently created a "passage" to their current world, which is merely a "fake and temporary" construct. He clarifies that while Chen Meiru didn't truly create Murong Jielun, she "imposed a new identity" on him, akin to replacing his heart and memories. Duan Shuiliu further exposes Sin as the ancient King of Babylon from Chen Meiru's diary, a fact initially met with disbelief by Jiang Hui Zhen.
Chen Meiru then recalls writing about a "new friend" in her diary who understood their past and present, and mentioning the King of Babylon promulgating something like the Code of Hammurabi. Duan Shuiliu elaborates on Sin, describing him as a seemingly ordinary "collector and scholar" from whom the copyright for Chen Meiru's performance was acquired.
He reveals that Ouyang Wen Shan first connected with Sin while abroad for this business, and Sin later resided in the basement of Ouyang Wen Shan's hospital. Duan Shuiliu explains that his own arbitrary decision to add an ending to the story somehow brought the actual King of Babylon into their reality. He recounts seeing Sin, a foreigner with a "weird-looking cane," attempting to steal the diary from Chen Meiru's apartment, which first aroused his suspicions.
Later, Dragon Lady encountered Sin in the hospital basement, where he tried to extract information about the diary from her, confirming Duan Shuiliu's belief that Sin was an insider. Duan Shuiliu also remembers seeing Sin on a rooftop, observing him with an unnervingly penetrative gaze, an encounter that nearly cost Duan Shuiliu his life when he tried to investigate further.
He concludes by asking who Murong Jielun, Ouyang Wen Shan, and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady truly are if Sin is the King of Babylon. Duan Shuiliu then answers his own question: they are all from the Babylonian Empire—the real Prince, his guard, and a Princess. In the underground chamber, Sin looks at Murong Jielun with an expression of profound, albeit unsettling, satisfaction.
He remarks that "everyone is here" now, calling it a "precious moment" and expressing his unexpected joy at seeing "this son of mine again." He then directs Murong Jielun to a clay tablet, stating it holds "the answers to all your questions." Ouyang Wen Shan interjects, advising Murong Jielun to set aside personal grievances and focus on the larger scheme.
Episode 19 Recap
In ancient times, the Hessett city was engulfed in flames, its people captured amidst the chaos of war. Prince Keane, also known as Ouyang Wen Shan, was seized by Murong Jielun. Murong Jielun, holding the sacred Deborah Sword of the Hessetts, kicked Keane and demanded to know what the artifact represented. Keane, surrounded by his terrified kinsmen, declared it signified "loyalty, eternal loyalty."
Murong Jielun then asserted that both Keane and the sword now belonged to him, offering to spare the lives of Keane and his remaining people in exchange for Keane's lifelong loyalty. Keane accepted, pledging his eternal fealty. Seven years later, a beautiful Hittite princess arrived in Babylonian City for an arranged marriage. Her guards expressed outrage that only Keane, now a guard in Babylon, was sent to greet them after their arduous journey.
The princess, however, calmly stated her belief that Prince Murong Jielun had a better arrangement in mind and reminded her retinue that she understood her duty to unite the two nations, despite the Babylonians' reputation for being cunning and skeptical. Within the Babylonian Empire, history lessons recounted the glorious conquests of King Sin-Muballit, declaring that he would conquer all lands under the guidance of the lunar deity, and even the archenemy Hittite would be obliterated.
The students, however, were distracted by the sight of Prince Murong Jielun training the army. They rushed to watch him spar with Keane. Murong Jielun, despite his late arrival, swiftly disarmed and defeated Keane, who then surrendered and reaffirmed his "eternal loyalty." Spectators hailed Murong Jielun as the "God of War of Babylon," noting his apparent divine protection.
While the girls who engraved historical clay tablets were called back to work, they gossiped about the Hittite princess, with many longing to be the Prince's chosen. Keane led the Hittite princess and her retinue to a gloomy, prison-like area. Despite her protests, she was forced into a water dungeon, with Keane explaining she should adapt to their culture. The princess denounced this as despicable hospitality, suggesting Babylon preferred war over peace.
She asserted that the glorious Hittite Empire had never sought conflict and asked why Babylonians, who claimed to be lunar deity descendants, were nothing but brutal and barbaric. Keane dismissed her as a "pawn abandoned by Hittite," stating that Prince Murong Jielun had long since uncovered their hidden agenda behind the arranged marriage. When she cursed them as "despicable" and Murong Jielun as a "bastard," Keane ordered her attendants killed as punishment for her words.
He informed her that while the Prince would visit, she was destined to spend the "rest of her days in darkness." The official in charge emphasized the sacredness of the clay tablets, which recorded the empire's royal history and were protected by deities, demanding a "foolproof" engraving process. During a sacrificial ritual, though it inexplicably involved the blood of young girls, King Sin-Muballit, presenting himself as a "humble believer," received a chilling oracle.
It declared that despite his efforts in building the city and securing peace through bloodshed, he was "not the eternal king." Instead, his son, whom he had disdained as a "bastard," the "God of War of Babylon," was destined to rise and replace him, his name to be engraved on the sacred tablets. The King flew into a furious rage, refusing to accept that such a "bastard" could usurp his throne.
He vowed to erase his son's name from history, ensuring that he, "the Great King of Babylon," would be remembered forever. The young girl, tasked with engraving the tablets, overheard this shocking revelation and became profoundly distracted. On her birthday, she received a pen and, feeling a newfound purpose, resolved to secretly compose a new chapter for Prince Murong Jielun, envisioning a future "completely different from the history of the king," hoping for divine favor in her endeavor.
Despite knowing that the Hittite princess was a useless hostage due to his victory over Hittite, Prince Murong Jielun decided to visit her in the water dungeon. He explained that a rumor from Hittite deemed her "ominous," and he needed to ensure she would not disrupt his father's sacred sacrifice ritual, as he detested "the sorcery of illusion." He ordered her to be guarded closely until after the ritual.
Unbeknownst to Murong Jielun, his father, King Sin-Muballit, stood atop the castle, issuing a royal decree commanding his son's elimination before the upcoming blood moon sacrifice, reiterating that "only I can be the eternal king." As the blood moon began, King Sin-Muballit's guards, following the "edict of His Majesty," stormed the water dungeon to "kill the unfilial son." Prince Murong Jielun bravely fought them off. In the chaos, Keane, who had been injured, ambushed him.
Murong Jielun, stunned by this ultimate betrayal and the revelation that his own father desired his death, questioned Keane, who confessed his disloyalty was for his kinsmen and "all people in this world from being slaughtered," accusing Murong Jielun of being "brutal" despite his "illustrious war exploits." Keane reasoned that if he remained eternally loyal, the subjects would suffer. Murong Jielun, recalling Keane's oath seven years prior, demanded an explanation.
Keane challenged Murong Jielun, asking if anyone was "truly loyal" to him, even his "biological father wants to kill you." Murong Jielun, injured and reeling, declared his sole ambition was "to win every war." From her confinement, the Hittite princess interjected, calling Murong Jielun "pitiful" for his misplaced trust in his father and his guard.
Murong Jielun shot back, reminding her that her own birth brought "disasters" to Hittite, branding her "the ominous person in everyone's eyes," and that her kinsmen sent her hoping he would "remove her" as a pretext for war. She retorted that he was "arrogant and obstinate," prophesying that he would "never win," "lose everything," and that "Babylon's bastard will be condemned by God," with Babylon's current troubles being "just the beginning."
Murong Jielun dismissed her, pointing out she was "doomed to stay here alone for the rest of your life." Bearing the injured Keane, Prince Murong Jielun ascended to the ancient Babylonian city walls to confront his father, King Sin-Muballit. He demanded to know why, despite being his father's "slaughtering machine," he was still not satisfied. The King furiously denounced him as a "bastard," an "eternal bastard" who could "never replace me," accusing him of "overshadowing the master."
Murong Jielun asked if his perceived worthlessness stemmed from his slave mother or the fact that his enemies had been eliminated. The King confirmed, declaring he would make Murong Jielun a "sacrifice for the lunar deity tonight," adding that Murong Jielun shared "the same dirty blood" as his mother and would "never be trusted." As the King moved to kill his son, the girl who had been engraving the tablets rushed forward, urging Murong Jielun to flee.
The King, infuriated, disparaged her as a "low commoner" unfit for "his holy mountain," but she bravely proclaimed that the words she had engraved possessed "deity-empowered" strength. With the "witness of the lunar deity," she asserted that the Prince she wrote about was "destined to be different." She then spoke of a future where a girl would love him on her behalf, understanding his benevolence, and he would reciprocate that love, cherishing her in his heart like an imprint.
She promised he would "forget all killings and sufferings and embrace a new memory." As she spoke, under the ominous blood moon, Murong Jielun, the Hittite princess, Keane, and King Sin-Muballit all began to slowly fade and disappear as if weathered away. In the present, Murong Jielun, now understanding his past, trembled as he removed his hand from the ancient clay tablet.
Episode 20 Recap
The Prince, Murong Jielun, saw his handprint on a clay tablet, triggering a cascade of memories. He recalled the devastation of Hessetts city, the capture of its women and children, and Prince Keane's surrender. Murong Jielun, as the Prince, had fiercely asserted his dominance, claiming the sacred sword and Keane himself, compelling Ouyang Wen Shan (Keane) to swear eternal loyalty to preserve his people's lives.
Sin-Muballit, the King of Babylon, was informed that his empire would achieve lasting peace through blood, but he would not be the Eternal King; a new king, his own son, would rise. Enraged, Sin-Muballit ordered his "bastard son" to be eliminated, deeming him unworthy, and declared that only he could be the Eternal King.
Meanwhile, Murong Jielun’s former comrade, Ouyang Wen Shan, betrayed him, explaining that his actions were for his people and all living beings, to spare them from Murong Jielun's merciless slaughter. Murong Jielun refused to believe him, determined to confront his father. He questioned if his service as a "killing machine" wasn't enough to satisfy his father. The King then openly declared Murong Jielun unworthy of his achievements and sentenced him to be sacrificed to the lunar deity that very night.
Elsewhere, a lowly chronicler girl, believing her engraved words held divine power, wrote of a prince destined for greatness, wishing that a girl in the future would love him on her behalf. Mei Ru, Jiang Huizhen, and Duan Shuiliu were gripped by anxiety over the diary. Mei Ru's Second Uncle visited, revealing that Mei Ru wrote the diary, Jiang Huizhen embellished its contents, and Duan Shuiliu preserved it. He stated that their connections to the diary's characters were all predetermined.
Sin-Muballit, the Babylonian King, addressed Murong Jielun as "my son," a term Murong Jielun found strange coming from the man who had ordered his death. Murong Jielun accused Sin-Muballit's past injustice of causing their current chaotic predicament. Sin-Muballit countered that their misfortune was a divine punishment, brought about by a lowly historian girl carving her private emotions onto a sacred stone tablet.
Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, bewildered, questioned why she and Ouyang Wen Shan were present if this was all the result of their ancient grievances. Sin-Muballit clarified that Mei Ru, a modern girl, had also written about them, and the combined "absurd fantasies" of both lowly girls had opened passages, drawing them from their ancient homeland into this ignorant era, leading to the loss of their memories and turning them into figures of derision.
Second Uncle revealed that for the ancient Babylonians to return to their time, a sacrificial ritual had to be performed on the holy hill during the blood moon. He explained that Mei Ru, though not the creator, had inadvertently opened the forbidden door, and Sin-Muballit insisted she must pay the ultimate price for their return. Second Uncle explained that the ancient ritual demanded a blood sacrifice from the girl who wrote the words—Mei Ru.
He strongly advised Mei Ru not to become the sacrificial offering. If the ritual was not carried out, Murong Jielun and the others would vanish permanently from both time-spaces. Murong Jielun vehemently refused to allow anyone to harm Mei Ru, declaring he would rather disappear than cooperate with Sin-Muballit’s plan.
Sin-Muballit then questioned whether Ouyang Wen Shan, now a leader of the Hessetts, and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, a Hittite princess seeking freedom, would make the same choice, implying they now had their own motivations that might not align with Murong Jielun's. Second Uncle advised Mei Ru to protect herself and be prepared for Murong Jielun's inevitable departure, as their presence in this time was merely a matter of chance.
Mei Ru, Jiang Huizhen, and Duan Shuiliu grappled with the terrifying realization that if the ritual was not performed, Murong Jielun and the others would disappear by dying. Second Uncle insisted that fate was sealed and could not be reversed, concluding that Mei Ru's cherished childhood dream had become a nightmare from which she must awaken.
The lights in the room suddenly went out as a television news broadcast announced that the long-anticipated blood moon spectacle would appear around 7 PM this Sunday, marking the prime viewing time. Sin-Muballit, having previously spoken with Murong Jielun, sternly instructed him to bring Chen Mei Ru to the altar on the night of the blood moon, reiterating it was his sole duty.
After Murong Jielun left, Sin-Muballit covertly directed Ouyang Wen Shan and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, emphasizing that regardless of Murong Jielun's decisions, Chen Mei Ru's blood "must" be shed on the altar, ensuring the plan's success. Murong Jielun returned to Mei Ru's home, deeply troubled. His mind replayed Mei Ru's words about love being the world's most beautiful emotion, and a monogamous, lifelong marriage being its ultimate destination. Overwhelmed by his inner turmoil, he violently smashed a mirror.
When Mei Ru returned, she found him on his knees, meticulously trying to reassemble the broken pieces. He offered a clumsy explanation, claiming he had tried to do some housework but accidentally broke the mirror. Mei Ru playfully questioned why a prince would stoop to such tasks, abandoning his identity. He dismissed the idea of identity and reminded her they had agreed to "start over."
He promised to handle all the physically demanding chores, such as cooking, cleaning, and taking out the trash. Mei Ru teased him, asking if he wouldn't be earning money, to which he admitted being "somewhat poor" but "strong," jokingly suggesting he could borrow from the wealthy Wen Shan. Mei Ru, touched, only asked him to make her happy every day, and he pledged to do so. Yet, beneath their lighthearted exchange, both harbored deep, unspoken sadness.
Mei Ru then told him to hang the laundry. As he turned away, her smile faded, replaced by an expression of profound sadness and helplessness, as the grim reality of their situation weighed heavily upon her. Duan Shuiliu returned home to find Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady meticulously cleaning a sword fashioned from a silver basin.
She told him she had personal matters to attend to and wished to be left alone, asserting that she would walk her own path and leave once her task was complete. She thanked him for his constant care, but Duan Shuiliu insisted she never thank him and encouraged her to consider his home as her own, treating him as family, despite knowing she didn't love him.
Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady clarified that neither his place, nor Babylon, nor Hittite, was her true home. She revealed she was from the Hittite Empire but had been imprisoned by the Babylonians, making them her sworn enemies. She scornfully refused to align with them and declared her intent to disappear with those who had harmed her, rather than allow them to return to their homeland.
Realizing her fierce determination and the potential consequence of her disappearance if she didn't return, Duan Shuiliu made a solemn blood oath, demanding that she return to Babylon with her enemies and reclaim her role as a Hittite princess. He vowed to change her destiny, ensuring she would not lose her love and face a solitary life. Ouyang Wen Shan went to see Jiang Huizhen, returning the Sichuan opera copyright agency contract she had entrusted him with.
Jiang Huizhen, now dressed in a special Babylonian costume he had made for her, became uncharacteristically tender. She desperately clung to him, pleading with him not to leave. She shed her cool facade, confessing that she had saved all her tears for him and regretted not having done anything for him, feeling it was now too late.
Ouyang Wen Shan gently comforted her, assuring her that she had given him much—her scent, voice, laughter, and anger—all of which he would remember. Despite her desperate pleas, he expressed regret, stating he could no longer help her and that the contract was all that remained between them, implying their relationship was over.
Jiang Huizhen, devastated, questioned if their connection was truly worth only "two lousy sheets of paper" and if they were to simply be "even" after all they had shared. Mei Ru, while piecing together the broken mirror, watched Murong Jielun hanging clothes. The grim prophecy echoed in her mind: the one sacrificed must be the girl who wrote the words, and without the ritual, Murong Jielun would disappear forever.
A stark realization hit her—if one of them had to be sacrificed in this tragedy, it must be her. She dismissed the ancient rituals and blood sacrifices as absurd, worse than any myth, lamenting that her arbitrary diary entries now bore such a heavy responsibility. Jiang Huizhen then reminded her of her childhood dream for an "earth-shattering love" and questioned her complaints now that it had come true.
Mei Ru reflected that Murong Jielun's survival, in any world, was the most beautiful outcome. Overwhelmed by fear of backing down, she prayed for courage to face death, pleading for Murong Jielun to live and not disappear. Duan Shuiliu, refusing to let her go, desperately insisted they couldn't end things this way.
Jiang Huizhen mused on how the Babylonian epic, which she once thought was just a story of love, choice, and sacrifice she wished to adapt for the stage, had now tragically become her own painful reality. Duan Shuiliu then promised Jiang Huizhen he would take her somewhere after she changed. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, speaking to Duan Shuiliu, implied that if he truly knew her story as the Hittite princess, he would not want her to return. Duan Shuiliu reaffirmed his commitment to change Dragon Lady's destiny, ensuring she would not lose her love and face a solitary life.
Episode 21 Recap
Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady carefully bandaged Duan Shuiliu's hand wound. She recounted her tragic origins as the Hittite princess, born amidst raging winds and years of drought, which led everyone to brand her a demon. Her only perceived worth was to be married off to a foreign land, an arranged marriage to secure peace.
She had no family or friends, never knew warmth or love, and her future was destined for either the bloodthirsty prince's bedroom or a dark, desolate prison cell, uncared for whether she lived or died. Despite this grim reality, Duan Shuiliu still urged her to return, stating that his only desire was for her to live, regardless of her hatred for those who wronged her.
He explained that she didn't need to trust them, but their desperate need for her to return would forge a strong, stable alliance. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady, however, felt she would return with no emotional attachment or a place to call home. Duan Shuiliu reassured her, emphasizing that she still had herself, and as long as she was alive, there was hope.
He placed a watch on her wrist, explaining that knowing she was alive, no matter how far or long they were separated, would give him a constant belief, a certainty that he could eventually find her. Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady expressed her disbelief, finding such a reunion impossible. Duan Shuiliu implored her to believe, just as his childhood belief in meeting her had come true.
He asked her to trust him one more time and to live for him, explaining that her survival was his courage to continue living. She agreed to believe him. He advised her to cherish the good and discard the bad, to abandon revenge and hatred, and to embrace her true self as the Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady he knew.
Duan Shuiliu reflected on how he had envisioned facing all hardships with her but now could only send her away on a path he couldn't follow. Meanwhile, Jiang Hui Zhen and Ouyang Wen Shan were stargazing on the grassland. Jiang Hui Zhen, surprisingly gentle, wished for the moment to freeze, for all negativity to dissipate, and for Ouyang Wen Shan to stay with her forever, and for them to stay together.
Ouyang Wen Shan explained that while the stars were romantic to her, for his ancient tribe, they were crucial for survival, guiding them to water and fruitful lands, enabling a peaceful life. This peace was shattered by a bloodthirsty and warlike prince from Babylon, Murong Jielun, who massacred his people and abducted their women and children but spared Ouyang Wen Shan, the chief's son, to serve as his guard.
Ouyang Wen Shan admitted he was merely a defeated prince who failed to protect his own and whose name might not even be remembered in history. He then revealed he couldn't stay because he was burdened by the need to avenge his tribe and family, needing to live for his people, even at great personal cost, a cost that included Jiang Hui Zhen.
When Jiang Hui Zhen suggested they find a solution together, Ouyang Wen Shan firmly stated that he chose not to stay. He tried to distance her further by claiming his past kindness was merely a habit of a guard, not love. He asserted that he had no self or heart, and thus, no capacity for love. Jiang Hui Zhen was devastated, feeling insignificant to him and questioning his cruelty.
She confessed her unbearable dilemma: she could endure losing herself or being abandoned, but she couldn't bear to see him disappear or Mei Ru get hurt, as either would leave her with an incurable wound. Ouyang Wen Shan urged her to live for herself and forget him. Distraught, Jiang Hui Zhen expressed her deep longing for him and lamented that the grassland and sky were all that remained, ensuring she would always remember him.
The next morning, Mei Ru watched Murong Jielun sleeping, lost in thought, before being interrupted by a phone call from Zhen, who was crying on the grassland. Mei Ru rushed to her side, initially joking to lighten the mood, but Zhen tearfully confessed she felt their diary was cursed, having taken away everyone important to them.
Mei Ru then comforted Zhen, urging her to remain strong and "cool," as described in their diary, regardless of Ouyang Wen Shan's departure or Mei Ru's own. Zhen pressed Mei Ru on her ominous words about leaving. Mei Ru explained that her story, as written in the diary, outlined a life for the female protagonist filled with love's joys and pains, constant crises, and unexpected tribulations, concluding that "the destiny of great love is not being afraid to sacrifice."
Zhen dismissed it as nonsense and forbade Mei Ru from undertaking any dangerous actions. Mei Ru revealed that the blood moon would appear tomorrow night, and her wish was for Murong Jielun to live and return to his homeland. She planned to take him to Wushan to perform a sweet and unforgettable ritual. Zhen vehemently opposed this, pleading with Mei Ru to stay safe and even threatening to restrain her.
Mei Ru, however, softly declared her love for Murong Jielun, stating this was her choice, and that encountering them had been the best part of their lives, witnessing miracles. Despite Zhen's tearful pleas for her to listen, Mei Ru apologized and affirmed her resolve to go, even without Zhen's agreement. Zhen expressed her pain at being abandoned by everyone, feeling she was treated as insignificant while others played the hero.
Mei Ru insisted that Zhen would understand, being the only one who truly did, but Zhen countered, saying not this time, as all she had ever wanted was Mei Ru's happiness. Mei Ru then returned home to find Murong Jielun awake and searching for her. She playfully announced she would take him somewhere special and urged him to get ready. They arrived at her old classroom, where her diary had once been publicly read.
Murong Jielun acknowledged it as the place where his existence was revealed, causing her distress. Mei Ru, however, now believed that sincerely written words held magical power, bringing not only sorrow but also happiness and courage. Murong Jielun then affectionately recited passages from the diary describing him as a wild and handsome half-blood prince, surrounded by a saintly glow, whose strength melted before her charm, born to love her with passionate words and touches.
He then asked about the ending of their story. Mei Ru quoted another passage from the diary: "The King of Babylon is destined to destroy everything. If the story between Murong Jielun and Mei Ru has come to an end, they will not regret. As the destiny of great love is not being afraid to sacrifice." She then declared that she would marry her prince and wrote "Happily married ever after" on the blackboard.
Murong Jielun, surprised, reminded her of her previous dislike for marriage. Mei Ru responded that it depended entirely on whom she was marrying. They exchanged vows, promising to love and cherish each other through all circumstances until death parted them. Murong Jielun, embracing her, proposed a monogamous marriage, vowing never to leave her.
Mei Ru agreed, suggesting their wedding take place tomorrow night on Wushan, a special ceremony where she, having written him into her life on the night of a blood moon, would give herself to him on the next blood moon. Murong Jielun eagerly agreed, expressing his anticipation. Mei Ru then playfully invoked modern wedding customs, stating that the bride and groom shouldn't see each other before the ceremony.
She told him she was returning to her "parental home" and urged him to go to Wushan to prepare for their wedding, promising to see him tomorrow. Later, a radio broadcast announced a rare "blood moon," a supermoon and red moon, set to appear tomorrow night. The broadcast mentioned ancient myths of catastrophe associated with blood moons but clarified it was an astronomical phenomenon that could be a romantic sight for lovers.
Episode 22 Recap
Jiang Hui Zhen, dressed in a performance costume and wearing the crown Ouyang Wen Shan gave her, danced the three unfinished stories of Babylon. The first story featured a prince born out of wedlock and a humble chronicler who sacrificed for him, through whom the prince learned what love truly meant, abandoning his destructive ways. The second tale depicted a wandering princess saved by a commoner, who, despite their bond, never spoke of his love before his death.
The third story spoke of a quiet guard and a traveling female artist, clearly in love, yet keeping their relationship ambiguous. All three narratives concluded tragically, with a massacre extinguishing their love. Jiang Hui Zhen reflected on her past belief that tragedy was the highest form of art, now expressing a profound dislike and even hatred for such endings. Duan Shuiliu hailed a taxi for Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady to take them to Wushan.
However, Dragon Lady initially refused, deeming taxis "slave cars" for commoners and preferring the "city dragon" (bus) or simply walking as "free people." They ultimately decided to walk. Along the way, Duan Shuiliu suggested eating at a revolving restaurant, but Dragon Lady declined, remarking that the "loser would be spun dizzy" by its rotation, a punishment she did not wish to endure.
Duan Shuiliu then confessed that his previous grand stories about "city dragons" and "spinning punishments" were merely fabrications born out of his lack of money. Dragon Lady, however, expressed her unwavering trust in him, even if he lied, stating that he was the only one she believed. She deeply appreciated him spending all his savings to buy a house that would allow her to see Murong Jielun, providing her with a home and a sense of belonging.
Duan Shuiliu expressed regret, wishing he could restart and be honest with her from their very first meeting. Dragon Lady, in turn, quoted an old saying: "Words are like a breeze, blown away without leaving a trace; action is like a stone that can stand the severe test of years," noting its profound meaning in modern language. She told him that his love and the sanctuary he offered made her life worthwhile.
They continued their journey, acknowledging that the path ahead was still long. Meanwhile, Mei Ru tried on her wedding dress at home, admiring herself in the mirror. Her younger self appeared, commenting that the dress didn't look good and that growing up seemed too troublesome. Mei Ru gently rebutted, teasing her younger self for being picky, and declared she wouldn't listen this time. Her younger self, curious about adult life, asked if she had met "our Prince Murong."
Mei Ru, with a smile, confirmed that she had indeed met him and was going to marry Murong Jielun. Her younger self was surprised, thinking dating was the goal, and joked that marriage would turn her into "Second Aunt." Mei Ru explained that "went to Wushan", when love is deep, signifies marriage.
Looking at her younger self, Mei Ru apologized for having betrayed her naive and earnest belief in love, surprises, and miracles for twelve years, having buried her "girl's fantasy" and intentionally giving up her capacity to love due to the pain caused by the diary.
However, she affirmed that Murong Jielun was the "most precious person" who had rekindled her courage and determination for love, enabling her to proudly declare that writing the diary back then was a truly wonderful thing. She promised her younger self that she would write a perfect ending for their diary. Jiang Hui Zhen, worried, spoke with Mei Ru, trying to persuade her against her path.
Mei Ru was resolute, proclaiming she was risking her life for Prince Murong and that it was worth it. Jiang Hui Zhen admitted that she had always accompanied Mei Ru in everything since childhood and would not be absent this time. Mei Ru calmly stated she had known Jiang Hui Zhen would come, finding comfort in her presence.
Jiang Hui Zhen expressed frustration, acknowledging that while she often seemed to have things under control, she could never stop Mei Ru from doing what she truly intended, even when it was clearly wrong. Mei Ru asked if Jiang Hui Zhen would make a similar choice for Ouyang Wen Shan, to which Jiang Hui Zhen claimed she wouldn't, attributing her dramatic tendencies to being an actress.
Mei Ru, however, asserted that her current moment was her happiest, and if given the choice between a long life and being buried with love, she would undoubtedly choose the latter. Though Jiang Hui Zhen expressed concern that Mei Ru would have no chance to regret, she ultimately conceded, telling Mei Ru she would pay her back in their next life.
As Mei Ru and Jiang Hui Zhen were leaving, Second Aunt praised Mei Ru's beautiful white dress, wondering about the occasion. Jiang Hui Zhen jokingly greeted her former homeroom teacher, explaining her habit of shouting from the doorway came from being scared of her as a child. Mei Ru hugged Second Aunt tightly, wishing her and Second Uncle long and happy lives, which unsettled Second Aunt.
Despite Second Aunt's questions about their destination, Mei Ru and Jiang Hui Zhen simply bade farewell and departed. At Wushan, Duan Shuiliu and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady arrived. Sin appeared and attacked Duan Shuiliu, striking him in the chest with his staff, declaring that a "lowly man" like Duan Shuiliu was unworthy to witness their holy ritual and that his death was inconsequential. Duan Shuiliu fell, bleeding profusely. Enraged, Dragon Lady vowed to kill Sin and Ouyang Wen Shan.
However, Duan Shuiliu, holding her hand, pleaded with her not to seek revenge, to put aside her hatred, and to live and return home as she had promised him. He assured her he was not in pain, only cold, and urged her to continue trusting him and to survive, as he would watch over her.
Recalling a past conversation where he had spoken of sending her on a path he could never follow, Duan Shuiliu realized he was now the one going first. He acknowledged her status as a princess and his as a "nobody," but affirmed that her trust had made his life meaningful. With those words, he intentionally released her hand and plummeted from the cliff, shouting "I love you" as he fell.
Sin dismissed Duan Shuiliu's death as deserved, reminding Ouyang Wen Shan not to let this "nobody" delay the important ritual. He also muttered that he would have liked to eliminate the "Hittite woman" if she weren't necessary for the ceremony. Mei Ru and Murong Jielun arrived at the altar. Mei Ru praised the decor Murong Jielun had arranged for their wedding, though Jiang Hui Zhen remarked that it looked spooky.
Murong Jielun asked if Mei Ru was nervous, to which she replied she was not, with him by her side. He apologized if the hastily prepared wedding wasn't what she had imagined, but Mei Ru insisted their wedding would be special. Sin then confronted Jiang Hui Zhen, demanding to know who she was. Ouyang Wen Shan intervened, explaining that Jiang Hui Zhen was Mei Ru's guest, important to both Mei Ru and him, and requested that she not be disturbed.
Murong Jielun echoed this, asserting that no one or nothing could separate him and Mei Ru, and that Jiang Hui Zhen’s presence was important to them both. Sin grudgingly allowed Jiang Hui Zhen to stay and prepared to begin the ritual. Murong Jielun inquired about Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady and Duan Shuiliu, but Sin proceeded to initiate the ritual, invoking the "great and dreadful lunar deity, Nanna," for a miracle.
Jiang Hui Zhen, now fully understanding the implications, cried out her regret, protesting that the ritual must not continue. Ouyang Wen Shan gravely informed her that once started, the ritual must be completed, for the good of all. Jiang Hui Zhen retorted, accusing them of being selfish and knowing Mei Ru would die, a claim Ouyang Wen Shan denied by saying "not necessarily". As Murong Jielun began his wedding vows to Mei Ru, promising monogamy and lifelong devotion, outside observers wondered about the unfolding events within the ritual.
Episode 23 Recap
Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady frantically searched for Duan Shuiliu at the bottom of the cliff, eventually finding him lying motionless by the riverbank. She called out his name, expressing her forgiveness for his past deceptions and urging him to wake up so they could return home. She promised to follow his guidance, even wearing proper shoes as he had once advised, and declared she would not leave with anyone else.
She confessed that he was the only one who truly treated her like a princess, and it was because of him that she finally felt like one, asserting that without his love, she felt insignificant. Meanwhile, Murong Jielun and Chen Meiru's wedding ceremony had begun. They exchanged solemn vows, promising to be in a monogamous relationship and never leave each other until death.
Mei Ru felt a sense of giddiness, uncertain if it was from the wine or her overwhelming happiness. Murong Jielun expressed his desire to take her to his homeland, and Mei Ru responded that by closing their eyes and opening their hearts, they could go anywhere.
In a flash, Mei Ru found herself re-experiencing her childhood, standing before the ancient Babylonian ruins, diligently writing in her diary, like a magnificent painting and a dream where the girl writing in the grand ancient kingdom met the prince. Murong Jielun voiced his honor in marrying her and witnessing her past. Mei Ru then poured out her love for Murong Jielun, stating she was willing to do anything for him, and accepted his proposal.
Their journey, from his emergence in her fantasies to his real-life presence, implicitly unfolded. Mei Ru admitted her conflicting emotions of wanting to leave him yet wanting to embrace him, pondering if these feelings were predetermined. She concluded that love was boundless and uncontrollable, and because of Murong Jielun, she was willing to love the world deeply. They held each other close, wishing for their embrace to last even a moment longer.
Outside, Jiang Hui Zhen was consumed by a bad feeling and desperately wanted to reach Chen Meiru. Ouyang Wen Shan held her back, explaining that in this chaotic and predetermined tragedy, everyone had to make their own choices, and if their fate was to end in sorrow, no one could change it. Jiang Hui Zhen accused him of being cold-blooded, unable to comprehend why people had to die. She pressed him about Duan Shuiliu and Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady's disappearance.
Ouyang Wen Shan grimly informed her that Duan Shuiliu had died, instructing her to prepare herself for the loss of people around her. The King of Babylon was eagerly anticipating his return to ancient Babylon and had sent his subordinate, Keen, to retrieve Chen Meiru's blood for the ritual, believing her destiny was sealed by her diary.
Murong Jielun, however, having learned his true identity and wishing to protect Mei Ru, seized a dagger and stabbed himself, offering his own blood for the sacrifice. He declared he would rather vanish than cooperate with the King's plan. He confronted Ouyang Wen Shan, questioning if he would follow the King's order to harm Mei Ru, reminding him that Mei Ru was Jiang Hui Zhen's best friend and Ouyang would not want Jiang Hui Zhen to suffer more loss.
Moved by Jiang Hui Zhen's pain and his desire to shield her, Ouyang Wen Shan agreed, concluding that only he should be sacrificed, or perhaps all of them should disappear if the King's scheme was unavoidable. In a sudden turn, Ouyang Wen Shan attacked the King's subordinate, Keen, smashing him against a rock and killing him. Murong Jielun's blood successfully activated the passage, causing those who had crossed from Babylon to begin fading away like sand.
Before his complete disappearance, Murong Jielun bid Mei Ru goodbye, stating that the prince was fated to vanish from her life and that this was their perfect ending, though Mei Ru disagreed tearfully. Ouyang Wen Shan, before he too vanished, made a heartfelt address to Jiang Hui Zhen, telling her to always remain cool and achieve her dreams, promising to protect her forever like the stars, even if she forgot him, and expressing his love and hope for a reunion.
One year later, on September 12, 2020, in Yuzhou, Jiang Hui Zhen had become a celebrated Sichuan Opera actress, now known as "International Jiang," with her cross-cultural opera "Amour Before BC" set to tour France. Chen Meiru, however, remained trapped in memories of Murong Jielun, her life in disarray. Unable to bear her friend's suffering, Jiang Hui Zhen gave Mei Ru a ticket to Paris, framing it as a "trip of letting go of the past."
Though initially resistant, Mei Ru eventually accepted, recognizing the need to move on from her painful past. In Paris, Mei Ru left a voicemail for Jiang Hui Zhen, sharing how the city's beauty and carefree atmosphere had begun to bring a smile back to her face. She vowed to return as a transformed Chen Mei Ru, ready for a new beginning. While visiting the Louvre Museum, Mei Ru learned about a newly translated line from the ancient Code of Hammurabi.
To her astonishment, the inscription was the exact marriage vow Murong Jielun had made to her: "I marry you. Monogamous, never separated until old age." This revelation made her realize that Murong Jielun was, in fact, Hammurabi, the sixth king of Babylon. At that very moment, she spotted a man bearing a striking resemblance to Murong Jielun and immediately chased after him, but he quickly vanished into the bustling crowd.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
In the modern world, Mei Ru visits the Louvre Museum in Paris, where she stands before the world-renowned Code of Hammurabi. A tour guide explains that the ancient code was promulgated by the sixth king of Babylon and contains a recently restored line. Unlike other laws, this line, translated as: "I'm marrying you. We'll be in a monogamous relationship and I'll never leave you," is more akin to a personal vow.
As Mei Ru stares at the inscription, a man in a suit, Murong Jielun, also observes it. Later, Mei Ru speaks to Jiang Huizhen on the phone, excitedly telling her that she recognizes Hammurabi. When Jiang Huizhen initially misunderstands, Mei Ru clarifies, declaring that Hammurabi is Murong Jielun. Jiang Huizhen is stunned. Mei Ru explains that the restored line in the Code is the very promise Murong Jielun made to her, a love letter written across thousands of years.
She firmly believes Murong Jielun is still alive, but Jiang Huizhen tries to make her see reason, emphasizing that thousands of years have passed and he is now a historical figure. Mei Ru insists she saw him again that day in front of the Code, repeating those familiar words. Jiang Huizhen, frustrated, reminds Mei Ru that they are no longer children and some love stories are destined to be tragedies. Mei Ru hangs up, upset.
Jiang Huizhen then reflects that while some people disappear and never return, those who are alive must continue living. Back in China, after getting off her plane, Mei Ru finds a notebook inscribed with Murong Jielun's vow: "I'm marrying you. We'll be in a monogamous relationship and I'll never leave you." She looks up, thinking she sees Murong Jielun, a vision that quickly disappears.
She frantically searches the airport for him but misses him as he emerges just as her taxi departs. At a noodle shop, Mei Ru overhears the owner joking with a customer about ordering twenty bowls of noodles, a detail that reminds her of Murong Jielun's past appetite. She turns to see the man, who looks exactly like Murong Jielun, entering and ordering two bowls. She rushes over and grabs his hand.
For a fleeting moment, he recalls past memories, but then smiles and forgets them, while flashes of Murong Jielun's declarations of love and protection pass through her mind. However, this man, a pilot, smiles condescendingly, telling her she must be "stunned by his good looks" and that while his uniform is "attractive," girls should be more "modest."
Mei Ru desperately tries to tell him she is his Mei Ru, but he dismisses her, stating she isn't his type and to "not waste her time." He then leaves the notebook she had previously found and walks away, ignoring her pleas to confirm if he wrote the words. Meanwhile, Mei Ru's Second Uncle and Second Aunt are walking down the street.
Second Aunt complains about his unpredictable returns, but he reassures her that he won't leave again, believing he has accomplished his life's work. However, his attention is caught by a bronze mask at a roadside stall. He rushes off with it, telling his Second Aunt to pay, and reflecting that some people and things "are not over yet," calling it "an obsession" and "also fate."
Mei Ru later visits Jiang Huizhen at the theatre, who is now a famous Sichuan opera actress. Mei Ru offers her macarons, claiming they are from the Louvre, but Jiang Huizhen sees through the excuse. Mei Ru confesses that she ran into a pilot who looked exactly like Murong Jielun, which made her forget to buy a proper gift. Though she initially mistook him, she now confirms he is not her Murong Jielun.
Jiang Huizhen shares that her troupe is moving, signaling a new beginning and a complete farewell to their past memories. A delivery person brings Jiang Huizhen an old parcel from her Second Uncle, Hu Zhan Qi, containing a bronze mask. Mei Ru finds it ugly, but Jiang Huizhen remembers seeing a cluster of stars that resembled such a mask with Ouyang Wen Shan.
She recalls Ouyang Wen Shan's promise to watch over her "forever" like those stars, and his hope to find her again, no matter the cost. Jiang Huizhen confesses to Mei Ru that she spoke "awful things" to Wen Shan before he left and never had a chance to apologize. Mei Ru comforts her, believing Wen Shan, being smart, understood her true feelings.
Mei Ru then compares Ouyang Wen Shan's memento to Murong Jielun's inscribed words, saying their loved ones are "with us no matter where we are" and that they will "meet again somehow someday." She reiterates that "it's an obsession, but it's also fate," and they "must believe that." Mei Ru begins writing in her diary again, reflecting on her transformation. She is no longer the Chen Mei Ru of the past but now believes more firmly than ever in miracles.
She holds onto the conviction that those they loved, even if they disappeared, are "still alive," embarking on "legendary journeys" that are far more real than any fictional story. In ancient Babylon, Murong Jielun awakens to find the Chronicler Girl lying on the ground. He acknowledges her as a person of "great love and divinity," whose "sincere and devout prayer" created the miracle of him meeting Mei Ru and learning to love.
He promises to honor her sacrifice and provide a proper burial. Ouyang Wen Shan arrives, confirming that the Chronicler Girl's sacrifice, much like Murong Jielun's for Mei Ru, led to their return. He declares that the old king, Sin, is gone for good, his era ended, and a new king has taken his place. Murong Jielun, now declared the new king, rejects the notion of relying on false gods as his father did.
He chooses his own name: Hammurabi, "the healer of my father." He vows to be a great king, distinct from his predecessor, committed to healing the kingdom's wounds, upholding justice, vanquishing evil, protecting the weak, and ensuring his people never live in fear, imprinting "love, justice, and fairness" into the laws. He then reflects, addressing Mei Ru, how he will become King Hammurabi, but laments that he will never see her or Jiang Huizhen again.
Ouyang Wen Shan, fulfilling his promise, decides to stay and assist Hammurabi. Before doing so, he sends a memento to Jiang Huizhen across time, expressing his longing and asking her to forget him but not to hate him. Meanwhile, Murong Jielun and Ouyang Wen Shan rush to the water dungeon to free Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady. Murong Jielun urges her to leave and live well, but she is heartbroken and feels life has no meaning.
He implores her not to betray the trust of those who loved her, reminding her that her kinsmen are now free to pursue their own destiny. A year later, in Babylonian City, Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady joyfully encounters Duan Shuiliu. Initially disbelieving, she confirms his reality by touching his face. Duan Shuiliu is also surprised to find himself there, unharmed.
Ninth Heaven Dragon Lady playfully teases him, recounting a fictitious Hittite iron smelting ritual where skinny men like him are exiled with a cow for seven days, their survival determining a "good omen" or being "left in the wilderness." She teases that his current physique puts him in a "dangerous state." Frightened, Duan Shuiliu agrees to follow her lead, and they walk away laughing, as he realizes she was getting back at him for past jokes.
In a final reflection, Mei Ru's voice expresses that her story has ended, but she believes that miracles await all those who sincerely write about love and believe in passionate stories. Similarly, Ouyang Wen Shan expresses his lifelong regret at not being able to see Jiang Huizhen again, assuming the King feels the same longing for Mei Ru. Murong Jielun's voice concludes, declaring that Mei Ru will be with Hammurabi in "every second of his life."
He credits her with giving him "the faith to love," a faith that will "transcend time and space and never cease." He promises to continue protecting her, smiling for her, loving the world for her, and returning to her in "another existence," where she will undoubtedly recognize him.
