Delicious Romance Episode 18 Recap
> Delicious Romance Recap
As children, Liu Jing, Fang Xin, and Xia Meng gathered to eat hotpot and watch "My Fair Princess". Liu Jing added rice to the hotpot, explaining that in Guangdong, hotpot is called "da bin lou," and adding rice allows the resulting congee to absorb the fresh flavors of the ingredients, making it delicious. Fang Xin then asked her friends who they would want to be if they could travel back to ancient times.
Fang Xin enthusiastically declared she would be Xiao Yanzi, expressing her preference for the Fifth Prince over Erkang, and admitted she couldn't memorize ancient poems like Ziwei. Liu Jing envisioned herself as Consort Ling, gentle, kind, intelligent, and the Emperor's favorite. However, Xia Meng, ever the pragmatist, refused all options, not wanting to be bullied in the palace.
When her friends playfully suggested she be Rong Momo to bully others, Xia Meng retorted that if she had to choose, she'd be the Empress. Xia Meng criticized the romanticized view of ancient times, pointing out the prevalence of arranged marriages and the unfairness of polygamy. She concluded that such stories were misleading for young girls and that being favored by an old Emperor was not desirable.
Eventually, they all agreed that it was far better to marry someone they loved in the modern era. Years later, the three friends met again, sharing a meal of Liu Jing's creative "Liu Jing's Special Hodgepodge Stew." Liu Jing explained that this dish, like Henan's Mixed Vegetables, Northeast's Random Stew, Sichuan's Spicy Pot, Guangdong's Poon Choi, or Fujian's Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, was an innovative way to utilize various ingredients, blending their strengths and weaknesses to create astonishing results.
Fang Xin, however, was in a sour mood, upset by Zhang Ting's gift of pomegranate juice. She complained about the packaging, which advertised "anti-aging" properties, making her feel Zhang Ting was implying she looked old. Liu Jing and Xia Meng chided her, calling it "Princess syndrome" and telling her she was too accustomed to being pampered and unappreciative of others' kindness.
They even jokingly admitted they were siding with Zhang Ting because "one who eats from another is bound to be soft-mouthed." The conversation turned to Fang Xin's relationship with Zhang Ting. She expressed frustration that he hadn't formally confessed his feelings, making her unsure of their status. Xia Meng argued that since Fang Xin had kissed him and he hadn't refused, it constituted a confirmed relationship.
Liu Jing agreed, stating that not every expression of affection needed to be a grand declaration, as people convey their feelings in different ways. Fang Xin remained insistent on a formal confession, believing that formalities were crucial to ensure he truly liked her. Liu Jing suggested she simply ask him, but Fang Xin adamantly refused, declaring that the man should always make the first move.
Both Liu Jing and Xia Meng reiterated that this was her "Princess syndrome" at play, enjoying being liked without taking any reciprocal action. Xia Meng then earnestly advised Fang Xin to cherish good relationships and not be overly demanding, warning that even the strongest bonds could be ruined by such behavior. She urged her not to wait until it was too late to feel regret.
Fang Xin subtly probed, asking if Lu Bin had forgiven Xia Meng, a topic Xia Meng quickly dodged, redirecting them to eat before the food got cold. Driven by her concern for Xia Meng, Fang Xin visited Lu Bin at the gym. Lu Bin expressed his discomfort, feeling put on the spot by her and Xia Meng taking turns to approach him.
When Fang Xin asked who else had visited him, he did not specify but proceeded with a physical assessment for her. His assessment revealed that despite her desire to be thin, her body shape wasn't ideal, lacking sufficient muscle mass. Lu Bin emphasized that true beauty lay in health and confidence, rather than an unhealthy pursuit of thinness. Fang Xin playfully asked if he was referring to Xia Meng.
During their workout, Lu Bin inadvertently blurted out, "Can't you learn from Xia Meng?" before quickly correcting himself. He further explained that the gym's true purpose was to enhance athletic performance, boost metabolism, and improve overall health, not merely weight loss. Fang Xin then confessed the real reason for her visit: to advocate for Xia Meng.
She passionately explained that Xia Meng's deception stemmed from her deep affection for him, highlighting the immense effort Xia Meng put into her work and gym job, meticulously hiding it all out of fear of discovery. Meanwhile, at Liu Jing and Xia Meng's shared apartment, Liu Jing was immersed in cooking videos. She asked Xia Meng about lunch, who, busy with work, simply stated she would cook chicken breast later.
Seeing the refrigerator packed with chicken breast, Liu Jing was inspired to create a new dish, "Snowflake Chicken Custard." She tried various attempts to perfect it after an initial lack of success. Xia Meng's mother called, asking if she had truly broken up with Wang Jichong, as his mother had invited them to taste wedding banquet dishes. Xia Meng confirmed the breakup, realizing Wang Jichong had kept it from his parents, and took it upon herself to handle the situation.
She called Wang Jichong, who admitted he hadn't found the right time to tell his parents and was trying to "postpone" the news, even ambiguously suggesting the wedding preparations might "not be for nothing." Xia Meng was confused and upset by his noncommittal response. Wang Jichong then stated he was working overtime and would handle his parents regarding the menu tasting, quickly ending the call.
Later, Xia Meng went to the hotel where the wedding tasting was taking place, finding Wang Jichong and his mother. Wang Jichong's mother expressed her frustration that Xia Meng was late, wondering if they would ever get married. Xia Meng directly informed Wang Jichong's mother that she and Wang Jichong had broken up some time ago, apologizing for the long deception. Wang Jichong's mother was shocked, believing it was just a typical lovers' quarrel.
Xia Meng then explicitly confessed that she had fallen in love with someone else, making reconciliation with Wang Jichong impossible. Wang Jichong pulled Xia Meng aside, trying to persuade her that their recent problems were "accidental" and that they could pretend nothing happened and proceed with the wedding. Xia Meng, however, firmly clarified that her feelings for Lu Bin were genuine and not a fleeting romance or a rebound. She was truly in love with him.
Upon returning home, Liu Jing's father informed her that he had used his connections to get her old job at the bank reinstated, expecting her to return on Monday. Liu Jing, however, stood her ground, explaining her firm decision to open a restaurant. She clarified that this was not a desperate move due to job loss, but a genuine pursuit of her passion, having found a suitable location in her favorite shopping district with great potential.
Her parents were vehemently against it, expressing deep skepticism. Her mother questioned her capability, citing her tendency to abandon various childhood hobbies like dance, skating, painting, and singing, as well as her multiple failures to pass the MBA exam. Her mother compared Liu Jing to her friends, remarking that one had a good job and the other had previously married well, implying Liu Jing was the only one left struggling.
The most hurtful comment came when her mother asked, "If you were capable, why would you get fired?" Liu Jing was visibly hurt and heartbroken. Her father attempted to soothe her, explaining her mother's "sharp tongue, soft heart," and highlighted his own sacrifices, detailing the numerous phone calls he made to secure her reinstatement, something he rarely did.
He urged her to abandon the restaurant plan, return to the bank, stabilize her career, and then focus on marriage, with her mother even suggesting "anyone will do," including an "Old Jiang." Overwhelmed, Liu Jing retreated to her room, crying uncontrollably. Later, Liu Jing discussed her distress with Song Chao, who was also feeling stressed from a recent argument with his own mother.
Liu Jing confided that her parents disapproved of her restaurant venture and wanted her back at the bank. Song Chao acknowledged that parents often have such conservative views. Liu Jing expressed her fear and sadness, wishing for her parents' support for this significant step in her life. She then took him to a noodle shop, where the old owner recognized her and gave her an extra fried egg, a familiar gesture.
Eating the noodles, Liu Jing was moved to tears by the familiar taste, and the old man smiled kindly at her. Song Chao reassured her that her parents would eventually come around and pledged his unwavering support, promising to stand by her and help her overcome any future challenges. He also inquired about her work, offering assistance. Meanwhile, Fang Xin, still pondering Zhang Ting's passivity, discussed her dilemma with Liu Jing, likely over the phone.
Liu Jing playfully suggested Zhang Ting might not actually like her, then quickly reassured her she was just teasing. She advised Fang Xin that if she liked him, she should simply confess, and if he reciprocated, it would be a straightforward happy outcome. Fang Xin recalled how her previous attempt to "be active" by kissing him only left her feeling more passive, and she reiterated her belief that the man should initiate.
Liu Jing pointed to a billboard, encouraging Fang Xin to find the courage to simply be herself. Inspired, Fang Xin decided to bravely confront Zhang Ting. She arrived at his bakery just as he was closing. He addressed her formally as "Miss Fang," but she asked him to call her Fang Xin. She reminded him that she initiated the kiss that night, explaining it was to show her feelings and that she liked him, wanting to deepen their relationship.
Zhang Ting revealed he hadn't mentioned it to spare her embarrassment, believing it wasn't her genuine intention since she was drunk and had suggested he could pretend it never happened if she regretted it. Fang Xin insisted her feelings were real, emphasizing how much she liked him. Zhang Ting, after a brief slip, again called her "Fang Xin," explaining his own insecurity and his belief that he had never hoped for anything.
He confessed he saw that night as a dream and didn't want to "cling" to her for a relationship, offering her an "out" to maintain their friendship. Fang Xin admitted she had indeed "pretended" to be drunk that night, fearing rejection and wanting an excuse. However, she was now sober and clear-headed. She declared she would not regret her feelings or need any excuses. Looking him in the eyes, Fang Xin directly asked Zhang Ting, "Do you actually like me?"
