Discovery of Romance Episode 20 Recap
> Discovery of Romance Recap
Guan Xin, dressed formally, picked up Xia Tian in his car, keeping their destination a mystery. As they drove, Xia Tian found herself fantasizing about Guan Xin proposing to her, complete with a ring and roses. However, she quickly snapped out of her daydream, explaining that she was preoccupied with a design project she wasn't satisfied with. Guan Xin gently reminded her that she belonged to him for the day and encouraged her to relax.
To Xia Tian's surprise, they arrived at a restaurant for his parents' Pearl Wedding anniversary celebration, and the roses in the back seat were indeed a gift for them. During the lively party, Guan Xin held Xia Tian's hand, but Xia Tian felt a bit awkward as relatives and friends gossiped. The anniversary party was lively, celebrating Guan Xin’s parents, Guan Qun and Tong Mei, who were admired by everyone as a model couple.
Guan Xin introduced Xia Tian to his parents, and he and Xia Tian presented them with a gift, wishing them everlasting happiness. Guan Qun made a heartfelt speech, acknowledging that he hadn't given Tong Mei a proper wedding when they were young and was making up for it today. Tong Mei, however, jokingly revealed that her husband simply missed his friends and used the anniversary as an excuse to gather everyone.
Their old classmates praised their enduring love, with one friend marveling at their public displays of affection, while another suggested it was a "symbiotic effect" of two great people. Auntie Zhang admired Xia Tian's beauty but then lamented her own son's absence abroad. Another guest jokingly asked Guan Xin, a renowned plastic surgeon, what "beauty treatment" he gave his mother, as she looked significantly younger than her peers, prompting others to consider visiting his clinic.
Guan Xin’s mother, however, insisted she was "purely natural" and didn't favor such treatments. After the party, Xia Tian confessed to Guan Xin that she felt awkward not having prepared a gift for his parents, especially for their first meeting. Guan Xin reassured her that his parents liked her, and Xia Tian expressed her admiration for his parents' vibrant and loving relationship, hoping for a similar future for herself.
Guan Xin then told her they would have their own "private world" that evening, promising to reveal the details later. He took her to their familiar football field. There, under the quiet night sky, Guan Xin knelt and proposed. He explained that he didn't want a grand proposal, preferring a simple, intimate moment that reflected their quiet personalities.
He promised there would be no more secrets between them and that their love would overcome any misunderstandings or arguments, making them even happier than his parents. With tears in her eyes, Xia Tian accepted his proposal, and they embraced. Back home, Xiao Song and Donghao were thrilled to see Xia Tian's engagement ring. Donghao commented on its size and the significant expense Guan Xin must have incurred.
Xiao Song was touched by the proposal at the football field and excitedly proclaimed her role as maid of honor, joking that she'd only need one wedding gift for Xia Tian, hinting at her own developing relationship with Donghao. Just after midnight, Donghao and Xia Tian celebrated Xiao Song's 30th birthday. Xiao Song, having planned her own special birthday party for the next day, asked her friends for their cooperation.
The next day, Xiao Song's meticulously planned birthday party was underway. Donghao, expecting a private family gathering, was displeased to see "outsiders" like Tan Xu and Director Yu arrive, both invited by Xiao Song. Xia Tian reminded him that Xiao Song was the hostess and they needed to respect her arrangements. Xiao Song then made a grand entrance in a glamorous black princess-like dress and heels. Donghao, ever protective, quickly retrieved a coat for her.
Xia Tian discreetly informed Director Yu that she was engaged to Guan Xin and encouraged him to share the news with Xu Zehao. As Guan Xin's mother arrived, Xia Tian handed Xiao Song a gift from herself and Guan Xin and went to meet her future mother-in-law, asking the three men to look after Xiao Song. With Xia Tian gone, Tan Xu and Director Yu competed for Xiao Song's attention.
Tan Xu offered her a matcha mousse, claiming he had ordered it weeks in advance from her favorite shop, though Xiao Song complained it was too small. Director Yu presented her with a "happiness tree" adorned with copper coins, wishing her fortune and happiness. Donghao, unimpressed, scoffed at Director Yu's "bathhouse opening" gift and, eager to present his own, concocted a story about the upstairs toilet being broken to lure Xiao Song away.
He led her to a bathroom, where he dramatically unveiled his "special" gift: an intelligent closestool. He extolled its virtues, particularly for her frequent constipation, assuring her it was the most thoughtful and practical gift. Xiao Song was furious, berating him for his insensitivity and telling him he understood nothing about women, before kicking him out. Donghao, left alone, lamented his seemingly negative emotional intelligence and pondered whether he chose the wrong color for the toilet.
Meanwhile, Guan Xin's mother met with Xia Tian, apologizing for the sudden visit but claiming she was "just passing by" and had brought some skincare products. She politely probed Xia Tian's living situation, finances, and career, asking about her studio's revenue and whether she managed investments. Xia Tian explained she lived in her mother's house but paid rent, and that her studio was doing well with a new guesthouse project.
Guan Xin's mother approved of Xia Tian having her own career but stressed the importance of balancing it with family, offering to teach Xia Tian about family finance. She assured Xia Tian that she was not a difficult person and would like any girl Guan Xin chose. Then, she presented Xia Tian with a premarital examination form, already arranged, and a prenuptial agreement.
She explained that they needed to notarize their premarital assets, clarifying that only income earned after marriage would be considered common property. She also promised to buy them a house outright, with Xia Tian’s name on the deed.
When Xia Tian tried to suggest that she and Guan Xin weren't in such a hurry, Guan Xin's mother firmly stated that these steps were necessary to prevent future complications, dismissing Xia Tian's attempts to speak further and declaring that she would handle all wedding preparations. After his heartfelt, yet awkward, confession attempt to Xiao Song was interrupted by Donghao, Director Yu returned to the company and informed Xu Zehao about Guan Xin and Xia Tian's engagement.
Xu Zehao maintained a composed demeanor, wishing Xia Tian a happy life and acknowledging that perhaps Guan Xin was a more suitable partner for her. He ended his work for the day, silently struggling with his emotions. Elsewhere, Donghao, realizing his lack of verbal eloquence, sought help from a writer he addressed as "Sis." He asked her to compose a passionate love letter that would make Xiao Song want to "marry me on the spot."
Despite listing a litany of Xiao Song's flaws—her lack of sensitivity, low emotional intelligence, voracious appetite (though they shared a preference for late-night snacks), impulsive speech, short temper, slightly short legs, and poor hygiene (not flushing the toilet), and bad drinking habits—he admitted he was "poisoned" by love for her. The writer, surprised by his description, agreed to help after Donghao bartered ten deluxe hydro lifting packages as payment.
Xia Tian's mother called Xia Tian's father's son, a young boy, to surprise him with new sneakers and clothes. The boy initially called her "Granny," but she gently corrected him to "Auntie." She explained the sneakers were a free gift for football players, and since she didn't play, she thought of him. Meanwhile, Director Jian continued his attempts to rekindle his relationship with Xia Tian's mother over lunch.
Xia Tian’s mother reiterated that she had thought about it "120 times" and the results were still unsatisfactory, advising him to give up. Director Jian playfully countered that thinking about it so many times meant she was constantly thinking of him, and suggested they still had fifty years to enjoy life together. Guan Xin, unable to reach Lu Xi by phone, went to her apartment.
Lu Xi was startled to see him and instinctively recoiled when he tried to help her with her groceries. At dinner, Guan Xin noticed her looking unwell and asked if she was sick. Lu Xi tersely replied it was "just a cold" and told him to stop looking at her with pity, insisting she didn't need it. Guan Xin clarified he was merely expressing concern.
Lu Xi then confronted him, recalling a previous conversation where he said her brother would pretend not to know her if they met. She demanded to know why. Guan Xin explained that her brother likely didn't want to lose the respectable life he had, implying his adopted family's reputation. Lu Xi challenged this, asking what was wrong with being adopted and why her brother couldn't have confided in her in secret.
Guan Xin further explained that her brother also felt a deep burden of guilt and did not want his foster parents to be judged. He revealed that the deepest reason was the "conscience" of leaving her behind to be adopted alone.
