Dr. Cutie Episode 10 Recap
> Dr. Cutie Recap
After regaining consciousness, Shen Zhaoer found Auntie Hong by her side. Auntie Hong expressed concern, questioning why Shen Zhaoer recklessly risked her life for Ji Heng, reminding her of their primary mission. Shen Zhaoer insisted it was an accident, a mere stumble that led her to shield Ji Heng from an arrow. She then anxiously asked if Ji Heng had discovered her true gender when he attempted to cut her clothes.
Auntie Hong reassured her, stating that she was the one who removed the arrow, and Ji Heng remained unaware of Shen Zhaoer's female identity. Shen Zhaoer gratefully acknowledged Auntie Hong for saving her twice, once even when she was a child thrown off a cliff by a man in black.
Auntie Hong, though still worried, noted Ji Heng's surprising kindness in allowing Shen Zhaoer to recover there and even providing a carriage for her return, observing that he had personally attended to Shen Zhaoer all night. Shen Zhaoer, however, believed Ji Heng's actions were merely a response to her perceived heroism, not genuine affection. When asked about her progress in Ji Mansion, Shen Zhaoer admitted to no significant breakthroughs yet but vowed not to give up.
She reiterated her conviction that the man in black who murdered her parents, the same individual who Jieer had served, was still within the mansion walls, citing a rare Buddha bracelet and an access permit as evidence. Auntie Hong promised continued support. Shen Zhaoer then revealed she had identified another enemy: Sun Congrui, the one who betrayed her father, and intended to confront him first.
Auntie Hong urged her to rest, but Shen Zhaoer, driven by her quest for revenge, insisted she had no time. Recognizing her resolve, Auntie Hong confirmed Shen Zhaoer's wound was largely healed and provided her with additional medicine, emphasizing the importance of a doctor's self-care. Upon her return to Ji Mansion, Shen Zhaoer noticed a dramatic shift in the staff's demeanor; everyone greeted her with warmth and concern.
Her master, Ye Zhi, welcomed her, explaining that Ji Heng, anticipating her return, had ordered Sheng Anhuai to completely redecorate her room to ensure cleanliness and prevent infection. Ye Zhi then informed her that she had become Ji Heng’s most trusted confidante, eclipsing Sheng Anhuai, and that everyone in the mansion would now seek her favor. He cautioned her, however, against becoming conceited, reminding her to always uphold her fundamental principles as a healer.
Shen Zhaoer affirmed her commitment, reciting passages from Huangdi Neijing about a doctor's core mission: "To heal people's mind, to cure people's body; let people be away from disease, keep harmony, realize morality, benefit descendents, and help future generations. That's the key for us doctors." She further articulated her belief in the doctor's "kind heart" and assured her master of her unwavering integrity.
That evening, Shen Zhaoer arrived at Ji Heng’s room to find a soft couch specially placed for her. Ji Heng clarified it was for her convenience, as he knew she often dozed off while serving him, and with her injury, she now had a proper place to rest near him without fear of reprimand. Shen Zhaoer quietly mused that he simply wanted to care for her.
Ji Heng then declared that, as she had once shielded him from an arrow, they were now like "blood brothers," and he would protect her. He offered her any reward she desired if she doubted his sincerity. Seizing the opportunity, Shen Zhaoer boldly requested a "Death-free gold medal," not an imperial one, but a personalized one from him, humorously citing his volatile temper as the most likely cause of her demise.
She explained that she no longer feared him, having realized he was not as ruthless as he appeared, deeply sensing his genuine concern for her well-being and acknowledging his hidden sorrow. Ji Heng, however, dismissed her request, playfully suggesting she merely desired the gold. He then prepared for bed, stopping Shen Zhaoer from fanning him due to her injury and ordering her to rest.
Later, as Shen Zhaoer lay on the couch, Ji Heng suddenly stated, "I won't give you the medal. Your body and your life, both belong to me. If I don't want you dead, you'll never die in front of me." Shen Zhaoer, touched by his words, happily assented before drifting off to sleep. Ji Zheng reaffirmed his loyalty to Ji Heng, promising to remain by his side until all his troubles were resolved, pledging his unwavering support.
In the study, Ji Heng found himself inexplicably studying Shen Zhaoer, pondering how a man could possess such delicate features. Noticing Ji Heng's gaze, Shen Zhaoer inquired if there was something on her face, prompting Ji Heng to abruptly dismiss him from the room. Shen Zhaoer, though surprised by his sudden moodiness, was relieved it wasn't directed at her.
Elsewhere, Kang De advised his sister, Kang Ning er, to seize the opportunity presented by Ji Heng's recent stress to draw closer to him. He suggested sending him food and engaging him in heartfelt conversations. Kang Ning er, however, worried about being rejected, as Ji Heng had never accepted her homemade offerings.
Kang De then shrewdly pointed to Shen Zhaoer as a crucial "ladder" to becoming Ji Heng's wife, emphasizing that as Ji Heng's trusted confidant, Shen Zhaoer must be appeased. The Kang siblings approached Shen Zhaoer, requesting she deliver a special herbal tea to Ji Heng, citing his exhaustion. Shen Zhaoer initially feigned reluctance but quickly agreed upon receiving a generous payment, privately celebrating the much-needed income.
She presented the tea to Ji Heng, effusively praising Kang Ning er's efforts and feigning sympathy for the "weak girl" who had waited. Ji Heng, after tasting the tea, conceded it was well-made and, to Shen Zhaoer's dismay, "rewarded" the remaining tea to her. Shen Zhaoer, citing propriety and her desire to "enshrine" his gift, attempted to politely decline. However, Ji Heng, perceiving her discomfort, accused her of disdaining his used cup and insisted she drink it all.
Shen Zhaoer, despite her internal struggle and declarations of loyalty, forced herself to consume the bitter concoction. Later, she reported back to Kang Ning er and Kang De, exaggerating Ji Heng's positive reaction to the tea and his appreciation for Kang Ning er's "whole heart," securing additional rewards for her supposed help in fostering their connection.
During an outing to purchase medicinal herbs with Master Ye Zhi, Shen Zhaoer was intercepted by Mr. Tan, the owner of Pharmacy Tan, who, with his shy daughter Cuiya present, sought her help in matchmaking his daughter with Ji Heng. He presented a lavish thank-you gift. Though Shen Zhaoer feigned hesitation, she was inwardly delighted and even inquired if there were other maidens smitten with Ji Heng, playfully claiming she wanted to "fight off rivals" on Cuiya's behalf.
Back at Ji Mansion, Shen Zhaoer displayed a collection of gifts to Ji Heng, including an embroidered handkerchief with a love poem, a pair of hand-sewn boots, and even an intimate bellyband. Ji Heng, displeased, questioned the source of these "benefits." Shen Zhaoer attempted to explain them as sincere expressions of affection from the young women, which she felt unable to refuse.
Ji Heng, recalling the herbal tea incident, sternly accused her of opportunistically using his name to earn money without sharing the profits. After some negotiation, Shen Zhaoer reluctantly agreed to a 60-40 split in Ji Heng's favor. Ji Heng then visited Shen Zhaoer's quarters, discovering a treasure trove of valuable gifts: East Sea red coral from a prominent family, a century-old ginseng from Pharmacy Xu, and an authentic Luoshen Appraisal Painting from the Eastern Jin Dynasty.
He reflected that Shen Zhaoer's room would soon be more abundant than the Ji Mansion's treasury. Infuriated, he denounced her actions as "selling her master for benefits" and committing fraud by accepting gifts without fulfilling her promises, reminding her these were grave offenses. Despite his anger, Ji Heng left without physically punishing her, simply telling her to handle the situation herself.
Alone, Shen Zhaoer pondered Ji Heng's unexpected displeasure, wondering why he would object to women admiring him, especially as he would eventually marry. She found herself feeling a subtle sense of disappointment. Sheng Anhuai observed Ji Heng and later remarked that since the arrow incident, Ji Heng had grown remarkably trusting of Shen Zhaoer, no longer doubting his background.
Ji Heng affirmed his belief that Shen Zhaoer, though driven by a desire for small profits and flattery, was fundamentally honest and kind. Sheng Anhuai further pointed out that Ji Heng was no longer the "cold and indifferent" man he once was, and his emotions had become much easier to discern, an influence he attributed to Shen Zhaoer. Ji Heng curtly dismissed his attendant, silently questioning if he could indeed be so profoundly affected by a mere junior physician.
Conscious of Ji Heng’s displeasure, Shen Zhaoer promptly returned all the gifts she had received, lamenting the lost opportunities and money, especially the red coral. Realizing Ji Heng hadn't summoned her for three days, she feared jeopardizing the trust she had painstakingly built, even taking an arrow for him. Determined to regain his favor, she decided to purchase a personal gift for him. From the Treasure House, Shen Zhaoer acquired a soft body armor, which she presented to Ji Heng.
When asked about her choice, she explained that since their acquaintance, he had been subjected to two assassination attempts, making him a frequent target who undoubtedly required such protection. Ji Heng inquired about its origin, and Shen Zhaoer identified the Treasure House. He then informed her that the armor was a rare and valuable artifact from a previous dynasty, capable of withstanding most weapons.
Shen Zhaoer was pleasantly surprised, realizing she had stumbled upon a true treasure for a mere fifty strings of coins, though Ji Heng humorously pointed out that the ornate box cost more than the armor itself. She innocently replied that she simply believed the box suited him. As Ji Heng tried on the armor, Shen Zhaoer effusively complimented him, noticing his rare and genuine smile. She secretly rejoiced, confident that her position as his trusted confidante was now secure.
Ji Heng, pleased with the gift, instructed Sheng Anhuai to reward Shen Zhaoer with three times the amount she had spent. Overjoyed, Shen Zhaoer accepted the reward and then boldly requested a day's leave to exit the mansion, a request Ji Heng received with a hint of surprise.
