Dr. Cutie Episode 11 Recap
> Dr. Cutie Recap
Ji Heng admired the soft armor that Tian Qi had given him, instructing Sheng Anhuai to reward Tian Qi with three times its value. Tian Qi, overwhelmed with gratitude, requested a day off to deposit his new earnings at the bank, as he was too timid to keep such a sum at home. Ji Heng granted the request.
Tian Qi then enthusiastically invited Ji Heng to visit the bustling market with him, describing exciting attractions such as boxing, juggling, lively performances by female dancers from exotic lands, and the famous snack street in the west. Ji Heng, unfamiliar with such places, declined by stating that as the master of the area, he could not openly appear in public and disturb the civilians. He promised to listen to Tian Qi's stories upon his return.
Later, Ji Heng reflected on how Tian Qi had spent 50 guan on the soft armor but 60 guan on a box, concluding that Tian Qi genuinely put his heart into his gestures. Meanwhile, Sheng Anhuai remarked on Tian Qi's swift rise in Ji Heng's favor, playfully wondering if Tian Qi might soon replace him as the head of the mansion.
Tian Qi humbly dismissed the idea, stating he was just a minor doctor, and then presented Sheng Anhuai with a small bottle, hinting it was "a good thing that men like." Sheng Anhuai accepted the gift with a smile, recognizing Tian Qi's "meticulous" thoughtfulness. The following day, as Tian Qi, carrying a large sum of money, was heading to the bank, Ji Heng unexpectedly appeared in plain clothes, explaining his purpose was to observe the local populace.
He reminded Tian Qi to keep a low profile and avoid using his formal title. Tian Qi, after suggesting a few names from traditional Chinese medicine, settled on "Xiaobai," inspired by the herb Bai Heng, for Ji Heng. Ji Heng initially preferred "Young Master Ji," but Tian Qi playfully held him to his earlier promise of following his lead, making Ji Heng reluctantly agree to "Xiaobai," on the condition that Tian Qi would continue to serve him.
Tian Qi then suggested they first deposit the money and then he would help Ji Heng disguise himself further to avoid attracting unwanted attention. As they strolled through the market, Tian Qi paused at a jewelry stall, admiring a beautiful hairpin. Seeing the curious looks from the vendor and Ji Heng, Tian Qi quickly explained he intended to buy it for a young woman.
He then approached a nearby young woman, asking to try the hairpin on her, convinced it would look splendid. At that moment, a rich young master and his attendants approached. The young master disparaged the hairpin, then grandly offered to buy all the hairpins on the street for the young woman, attempting to take her away. Tian Qi intervened, asserting the woman's right to refuse. The young master grew aggressive, but Tian Qi swiftly delivered a kick to his groin.
Tian Qi then grabbed Ji Heng and tried to escape, but they were soon cornered. Tian Qi instinctively stepped in front of Ji Heng, but Ji Heng pulled him behind him and expertly dispatched the ruffians. Witnessing Ji Heng's martial prowess, Tian Qi was captivated, exclaiming how handsome he looked and immediately offered to treat him to a meal.
At a restaurant, Ji Heng observed Tian Qi's unrefined eating habits, finding it amusing that he had once suspected Tian Qi was a woman. Offended by this thought, Tian Qi resolved to completely dispel any such notions. He spotted a book stall and, to Ji Heng's shock, picked up an erotic painting, unabashedly declaring his "lecherous" nature and even joking about sneaking into women's bathhouses.
The vendor, eager to make a sale, boasted that even "Jieshuai" was a regular customer and produced a portrait of him. Ji Heng was incensed to see the crude and unflattering depiction, which he thought resembled Zhang Fei, and stormed off. Determined to further prove his masculinity, Tian Qi led Ji Heng to the Wanhong Club, a notorious red-light district. Inside, Tian Qi appeared to be a regular, openly embracing and drinking with the female dancers.
Ji Heng observed his familiarity, concluding he was a frequent patron. Tian Qi then excused himself to speak with Auntie Hong, the club's madam. He asked her if gaining Ji Heng's trust could aid his search for his parents' killer, noting that Ji Heng's influence would be invaluable. Auntie Hong also returned a handkerchief that Tian Qi had lost, which had been delivered to the club, sparking Tian Qi's concern that his identity might be compromised.
Auntie Hong, however, downplayed the threat and even suggested a "honey trap" should Ji Heng ever discover his true gender. Suddenly, Ji Heng's angry shouts erupted from the main room. Tian Qi rushed back to find Ji Heng furiously expelling the female dancers. Ji Heng reprimanded Tian Qi for bringing him to such a place, endangering his hard-earned reputation.
Tian Qi immediately knelt, confessing that his actions were driven by personal interest: the club's hostess had taken him in and funded his medical education after his parents' tragic deaths, making the establishment feel like family. Ji Heng's anger softened, and he allowed Tian Qi to rise, warning him not to repeat the mistake. Seizing the moment, Tian Qi reminded Ji Heng of his promised reward for saving him.
Since a Death-free gold medal was unattainable, he requested an access permit to enter and exit Ji Mansion freely, claiming it was to seek out new remedies for Ji Heng's insomnia. Ji Heng suspected Tian Qi was merely seeking freedom to play, but Tian Qi solemnly swore his intentions were genuine. Back at Ji Mansion, Ji Heng summoned Tian Qi and presented him with an access permit, allowing him free passage.
Tian Qi was overjoyed, but a thought struck him: his parents' killer might also possess such a token. He inquired how many people within Ji Mansion held such permits. Ji Heng revealed that no more than ten individuals, including the head of the mansion and commanders, had them, sternly adding that any attempt to sell it would be swiftly discovered. Tian Qi vehemently denied any intention of selling such a precious item.
Ji Heng then made him promise to limit his visits to the Wanhong Club. Alone, Tian Qi realized the killer of his parents was likely one of the few who held such a permit, steeling his resolve to uncover their identity. Sheng Anhuai cautiously expressed his concerns to Ji Heng about granting an access permit to Tian Qi, who had only been in the mansion for two months, fearing how it might be perceived.
Ji Heng, however, dismissed his worries, stating firmly that his trust in Tian Qi and his decisions regarding access to the mansion did not require anyone else's approval. Later, Ji Heng was holding the erotic painting Tian Qi had purchased when Sheng Anhuai entered. Sheng Anhuai immediately noticed the painting, offered a knowing glance, and no further explanation, quietly excused himself, leaving Ji Heng fuming in frustration.
Ji Zheng was astonished upon learning of the access permit granted to Tian Qi. He reflected that while he had tolerated Tian Qi's deception (being a woman disguised as a man) due to a perceived lack of malice towards Ji Mansion, Tian Qi's growing closeness to his brother now deeply worried him. He feared that if his brother were to be harmed because of this hidden identity, he would be gravely at fault.
Unwilling to expose Tian Qi directly, Ji Zheng resolved to investigate secretly and find a way to compel Tian Qi to reveal the truth. Meanwhile, Ji Heng was tormented by nightmares, calling out "Zhao'er" in his sleep. Tian Qi, hearing him, offered to check his pulse, wondering if Ji Heng's troubled sleep was connected to the tragic past of his own family and the miserable death of his parents.
