Encounter with You Episode 18 Recap
> Encounter with You Recap
Xu Ke listened to Hua Ming’s heartfelt confession and passionately urged him to declare his feelings to Wan Xinxin. He stressed that even a failed confession was better than being consumed by doubt. Emboldened, Hua Ming found his courage and purchased a large bouquet of flowers, hurrying back to confess. However, he suddenly received a phone call from Mrs. Qin, who was waiting downstairs outside his building. When Mrs. Qin saw him with the flowers, she quickly deduced his intention.
She advised Hua Ming against confessing to Wan Xinxin, emphasizing that for the sake of Baogege, he should refrain. She explained that Wan Xinxin and Qin Gang’s relationship was healing, and he shouldn't prevent the child from having both biological parents. She also reminded him of the enduring pain a child experiences from divorced parents, citing his own daughter Ruirui as an example. While Hua Ming acknowledged her reasoning, he asserted it had nothing to do with love.
Mrs. Qin left him to make his own decision. After she departed, Hua Ming pondered her words and, feeling their weight, decided to sacrifice his own emotions for Wan Xinxin and the child. Upon returning home, Hua Ming put on a facade of nonchalance and found himself unable to confess his feelings to Wan Xinxin. He claimed to have had too much to drink with Xu Ke.
Wan Xinxin repeatedly tried to encourage him to speak, even asking directly if he had something to tell her and offering to drink with him. However, Hua Ming continuously deflected her questions, complaining of a headache and insisting they would talk about everything the next day. Frustrated by his evasiveness, Wan Xinxin eventually gave up. Meanwhile, Liu Wei unexpectedly called Wan Xinxin and arranged a meeting.
Wan Xinxin, surprised by the request, met with Liu Wei, who announced her decision to return to America. Liu Wei, feigning self-pity, admitted defeat, stating that no matter how hard she tried, she could never win Qin Gang’s heart and only pushed him further away. She even suggested that if she had never intervened, Wan Xinxin and Qin Gang might still be together. Wan Xinxin acknowledged this possibility but firmly stated she was doing well now.
Liu Wei then extended her hand, proposing to make peace, but Wan Xinxin refused, declaring she never felt she had lost. Separately, Shi Lu discovered that the contract Liu Wei had promised her was invalid. Her lawyer confirmed that a clause granting Party A sole interpretation of terms rendered it useless. Realizing she had been deceived, Shi Lu angrily tore up the contract. Xu Ke, witnessing Shi Lu's distress at her company, offered his support.
Despite Shi Lu's initial reluctance and a moment of sharp words, Xu Ke persisted, offering to join her company and help navigate the difficult period. Touched by his sincerity, Shi Lu accepted his offer, and Xu Ke was overjoyed. Hua Ming then began helping Wan Xinxin search for jobs online. However, Wan Xinxin found it difficult to find a suitable position, deeming some roles a demotion and others too senior for her age.
During their search, Qin Gang called, suggesting Wan Xinxin either work at his company or stay home to care for the child, leaving financial worries to him. Wan Xinxin politely declined, asserting she wished to handle her career independently. Hua Ming was visibly upset by Qin Gang's interference and Wan Xinxin's defense of Qin Gang, leading to a minor argument where she accused Hua Ming of being petty.
The next day, as Wan Xinxin stepped out, she encountered Qin Gang waiting downstairs. He lavished her with romantic sentiments, claiming to have missed her constantly and implying he was ready for her to take him back. Unimpressed by his dramatic display, Wan Xinxin dismissed his words and continued on her way. Hua Ming observed this scene from a distance, his heart heavy. Hua Ming was in anguish, grappling with his decision.
Soon after, Mrs. Qin called him again, imploring him to consider Wan Xinxin and the baby's best interests for a happy life with Qin Gang. Xu Chunli also strongly supported Wan Xinxin and Qin Gang's reunion. Having made his difficult choice, Hua Ming organized a dinner that evening, using food prepared by Xu Chunli, as a "celebration" for Wan Xinxin and Qin Gang's supposed reconciliation. Wan Xinxin, suppressing her true feelings, directly asked Hua Ming about their relationship.
Hua Ming, feigning indifference, stated they were merely friends. He rationalized that Xu Chunli and he needed to find jobs, and the baby would receive a better education with the wealthy Qin family. Devastated, Wan Xinxin inferred that Hua Ming did not truly like her. Both found solace in drinking heavily, neither willing to voice their genuine emotions.
Wan Xinxin tearfully wondered why Hua Ming was so unaffected by her, recalling his kindness during their camping trip, and decided to test him one more time. In his thoughts, Hua Ming apologized for speaking words contrary to his feelings, believing he could not selfishly keep her when her future seemed tied to Qin Gang and the child. The following morning, Hua Ming rose early and finished packing Wan Xinxin and the baby's luggage.
Wan Xinxin, still hurting from their conversation, observed silently that Hua Ming still wouldn't ask her to stay, confirming her belief that she had been deluding herself. Mrs. Qin and Qin Gang soon arrived to pick them up. Mrs. Qin expressed immense gratitude to Hua Ming for caring for Wan Xinxin and her grandson, overjoyed by the family's reunion, and assured Wan Xinxin that Qin Gang would treat her exceptionally well.
Qin Gang earnestly told Wan Xinxin he was sincere and it was time to go home. Hua Ming, maintaining a facade of composure, helped load the baby's belongings into Qin Gang's car, even giving detailed instructions about the baby's favorite music on Wan Xinxin's phone. Qin Gang, however, cut him off, asserting his presence was enough. Wan Xinxin quietly thanked Hua Ming, who simply replied, "You're welcome."
As Wan Xinxin sadly got into the car, believing Hua Ming was simply trying to rid himself of the trouble she and the baby represented, Hua Ming said goodbye to the baby. As the car drove away, Hua Ming watched, feeling as though his heart was being carried away with them. Wan Xinxin, equally somber in the car, asked Qin Gang if he was happy now, to which he simply replied, "No."
