Delicious Romance Episode 19 Recap
> Delicious Romance Recap
Liu Jing, Fang Xin, and Xia Meng arrived at the film set, with Liu Jing and Fang Xin already in exquisite period costumes, portraying palace consorts. Shanmu, the assistant director, was desperate for more actors. He asked Liu Jing to call more friends, but her friends were already there. He then turned to Fang Xin, asking her to invite colleagues from her PR company.
Fang Xin resisted, explaining her poor relations with them, but Shanmu countered that they could play rivals, which was perfect for a palace drama. Shanmu also tried to rope in Xia Meng, who was busy discussing business. Fortunately, Song Chao arrived with a large group of women, many of whom Lao Gao knew, which helped alleviate the shortage. Xia Meng was on set to negotiate a collaboration with Director Xu for her novel "Breakup Strategy."
Liu Jing overheard Shanmu and Director Xu discussing the insufficient budget and the lack of a solution. When Song Chao wanted to approach them, Liu Jing stopped him, saying they shouldn't disturb them if they couldn't help. However, Xia Meng was met by Wang Jichong, representing another company, who was also there to pitch his project "Perfect Ex."
The two immediately began to bicker, with Wang Jichong criticizing Maisi Video for delaying the release of many shows and suggesting "Breakup Strategy" was too long. Shanmu intervened, praising "Breakup Strategy" and mentioning he had read it. Seizing the opportunity, Shanmu persuaded Xia Meng to make a cameo appearance to experience Director Xu's directing style, hinting it would foster better collaboration in the future.
Xia Meng reluctantly agreed, then tried to pull Wang Jichong into playing a eunuch, but Shanmu said they only needed female characters. Xia Meng was then assigned the role of a matron, much to her dismay, especially since Liu Jing and Fang Xin were playing beautiful concubines. Shanmu flattered her, saying only someone with her strong presence could portray a matron convincingly.
When Xia Meng still hesitated, Shanmu subtly coerced her by suggesting that her refusal might influence Director Xu's decision regarding her project. Left with no choice, Xia Meng agreed. During filming, Fang Xin messaged Zhang Ting, asking if he missed her. Meanwhile, the scene involving the Emperor's death began, with Jia Wenyi as the lead. Fang Xin accidentally slipped, and the extras were inexperienced, leading to multiple retakes. A phone ringing disrupted another take, further frustrating Jia Wenyi.
Director Xu had to comfort Jia Wenyi, whose emotional state was completely depleted. When they tried again, Jia Wenyi regained her focus, but Fang Xin was amused by Xia Meng, whose hair dye began to run down her face due to sweat, making it look as though she was poisoned. Director Xu, furious, scolded Shanmu for pulling the hair and makeup artists to act and jeopardizing their main responsibilities.
She then apologized to Jia Wenyi and called for a lunch break before resuming filming. Song Chao had ordered a large quantity of crayfish for everyone. However, Fang Xin was allergic and could only eat vegetables. Thoughtfully, Zhang Ting arrived with a specially prepared meal for Fang Xin, complete with fruits. Wang Jichong also stayed, making a snarky comment about Xia Meng's "natural" portrayal as a matron.
Shanmu, having lost his appetite, explained that every department in a production has to deliver the best results within limited resources, and he accepted responsibility for the day's issues. He then offered specific acting advice: Liu Jing, playing a lowly concubine, should immerse herself in the character's unnoticed existence and the premature end of her life. Fang Xin, as a concubine deeply in love, needed to convey the pain of sharing the Emperor's affection.
For Xia Meng's matron role, he simply advised her to keep her head down and not look around, implying minimal emotional depth was required for her part. Later, Song Chao informed Liu Jing that he was moving to Beijing to help his father. He confessed that seeing Shanmu's dedication and Liu Jing's admiring gaze made him realize he needed to change internally. He expressed hope that he would be a different person when they next met.
Earlier, Lao Gao had successfully convinced Lili, one of the women Song Chao brought, to stay on set instead of leaving to go shopping with friends, ensuring Shanmu didn't face more staffing issues. Zhang Ting brought water to Fang Xin, thinking she was upset, but she clarified she was just "building emotion." Fang Xin noted that while Zhang Ting wasn't good with words, he expressed his affection through actions.
Still, she regretted he hadn't formally confessed his feelings and wished he would say something touching. Zhang Ting, turning to face her, simply stated, "Fang Xin, I like you." When Fang Xin expressed disappointment at the brevity, he tried to recall touching wedding vows but stumbled, accidentally asking her to marry him. Fang Xin clarified his intentions. Soon after, Fang Xin received a phone call from a friend asking for the set's address to visit.
Zhang Ting, sounding jealous, asked who it was, and Fang Xin clarified it was Xia Meng's friend. They then decided to head back to the set. The next take of the Emperor's death scene went smoothly, passing in one go, much to Director Xu's relief. She announced the wrap of "The Battle at Yangxin Hall," expressing gratitude to the cast and crew for their professionalism and hard work despite the budget challenges.
Director Xu then shared her personal journey, reflecting on how she unexpectedly became a director after giving up on many other pursuits. She concluded by encouraging everyone to pursue what they truly love, suggesting that every step in life might be the best preparation for their true calling. Liu Jing was deeply inspired by her words. After the wrap, Wang Jichong helped Xia Meng remove her elaborate hair accessories.
He remarked that he had learned a lot from her during their long association, likening the experience to "paying tuition." Xia Meng playfully retorted that despite his "tuition," he still couldn't get Director Xu to direct his project. Meanwhile, Liu Jing, deeply inspired by Director Xu's speech, confidently called to rent a shop on the fourth floor for her restaurant. Seeing Xia Meng and Wang Jichong together, Song Chao interpreted their interaction as genuine affection. This reinforced his earlier realization of his internal "gap" compared to Shanmu's dedication and reaffirmed his commitment to working hard in Beijing to become worthy of Liu Jing.
