Dear Diary Episode 13 Recap
> Dear Diary 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.
