Discovery of Romance Episode 23 Recap
> Discovery of Romance Recap
Guan Xin had prepared a lavish breakfast, much to the admiration of Xiao Song and Dong Hao. However, Guan Xin pulled Dong Hao outside for a serious talk. He revealed that he had found a wooden box in Xia Tian's room containing photos and love letters from her past relationship with Xu Zehao, as well as a group picture of the four of them: Xia Tian, Xu Zehao, Xiao Song, and Dong Hao.
Guan Xin was furious, feeling betrayed that everyone, especially his close friend Dong Hao, had conspired to keep this secret from him, making him feel like a fool. Dong Hao, caught in the middle, apologized, explaining he had told Xia Tian not to disclose the past to avoid upsetting Guan Xin. He stressed that Xia Tian and Xu Zehao had broken up long ago, understood their boundaries, and that Xia Tian truly loved Guan Xin.
He urged Guan Xin to let go of the matter and focus on their upcoming wedding, but Guan Xin admitted he could no longer pretend to be understanding. Inside, Xia Tian confided in Xiao Song that she was with Guan Xin purely out of love. She also admitted that if her feelings for Guan Xin ever changed, she would go back to Xu Zehao, preferring honesty over being a "puppet" in her relationship.
When Guan Xin and Dong Hao returned, Guan Xin, still visibly upset, refused breakfast and abruptly took Xia Tian away. They didn't go to their wedding house but instead headed to the aquarium. Worried, Xiao Song pressed Dong Hao for details. Dong Hao informed her that Guan Xin had discovered Xia Tian's past with Xu Zehao.
Dong Hao then used the opportunity to chastise Xiao Song for being indecisive in her own romantic life, accusing her of leading multiple suitors on. Xiao Song, initially defensive, realized Dong Hao was referring to her, and immediately called Tan Xu. Guan Xin, silent and upset, led Xia Tian, who was wearing high heels, to the aquarium. Xia Tian's feet became chafed, a fact Guan Xin eventually noticed, and he kindly applied a bandage.
Inside, Guan Xin confessed he couldn't pretend as if nothing had happened, having seen the wooden box and the memories it held. Xia Tian repeatedly apologized, but Guan Xin expressed his anguish, noting that her apologies had become constant since Xu Zehao re-entered her life. Xia Tian explained that she had never opened the box and had missed the optimal time to dispose of it, acknowledging that some things, once missed, are gone forever.
She suggested they take a break if he couldn't accept the situation, but Guan Xin rejected the idea, reminding her they were on the verge of marriage. He then carried her out, reflecting internally that he wouldn't let go, viewing their relationship as a "war between men" he was determined to win, despite feeling that everyone expected him to lose.
Meanwhile, Xiao Song decided to clarify her romantic situation with her three admirers: Dong Hao, Tan Xu, and Yu Hui (Mr. Yu). Ignoring Dong Hao, who proclaimed himself her "brother" and advisor, Xiao Song frankly addressed each man.
She confessed she had liked Tan Xu in the past and he had inspired her, but a lack of timing and a shift in her perspective on love meant they were not destined to be, and she now had someone else she liked. She also acknowledged Yu Hui as a kind, gentle, and successful man with whom she could consider a future, but admitted she lacked the "impulse of love" or a "heartbeat" feeling for him.
As both Tan Xu and Yu Hui pleaded for another chance, grabbing her hands, Dong Hao angrily intervened, pulling Xiao Song's hand away and playfully holding it himself, declaring he never listened to teachers anyway. At the office, Ms. An tried to persuade Xu Zehao to attend an industry meeting and a live sharing event for their successful Guixin Guesthouse project, as Sheng Group wanted to continue their collaboration.
Xu Zehao, however, showed no interest, explaining he was occupied with another project – Alex's old town renovation. Ms. An was frustrated, pointing out that his current endeavors yielded no commercial profit for the company and that Xia Tian, for whom he was making these sacrifices, was unaware of his efforts. She questioned the worth of his actions as a businessman.
Xu Zehao, steadfast in his commitment, compared his emotional investment in Xia Tian to a venture capitalist taking a risk, willing to lose everything for a chance to succeed. Xia Tian and Xiao Song were busy with the Old Block renovation project, which had a deadline of December 18th. Xia Tian realized this date was Xu Zehao's birthday and felt a familiar, unsettling nervousness.
Dong Hao watched Xiao Song eat ravenously, finding her endearing even in her messiness, admitting his feelings for her were growing stronger. Xu Zehao learned that the competition for the Old Block project was intense, with many powerful listed companies bidding, putting Xia Tian's smaller studio at a significant disadvantage. As Xia Tian explored the old town for inspiration, camera in hand, she inadvertently crossed paths with Xu Zehao, who was also there.
They later met at a coffee shop where Xu Zehao reviewed Xia Tian's initial proposal, criticizing its common approach. He reminded her of her original intention to bring simple, natural elements into urban design, helping her rediscover her unique vision for the project. Lu Xi was seen secretly watching Guan Xin enter the hospital, departing without greeting him. Later that night, while Xia Tian was working late on her project, reviewing reference materials sent by Xu Zehao, Guan Xin called.
Xia Tian answered, reflexively calling out "Xu Zehao," creating an awkward silence. Both felt a growing distance and uncertainty about the stage of their relationship. Xia Tian pondered why she struggled to speak intimately and wondered if such difficulties were common in marriage, hoping their relationship would improve with time.
Guan Xin, weary, thought it was the first time he had said "I love you" to Xia Tian without truly feeling it, pondering if all couples resorted to such empty words to maintain their bond. Despite their unspoken concerns, they exchanged "I love you"s and "good night."
