Hilarious Family 2 Episode 21 Recap
> Hilarious Family 2 Recap
Luo Zhusi, convinced that An Wanqing was causing friction between Jing Kan and Ai Sixi, arranged a dinner for the three of them. Her intention was to play matchmaker for Jing Kan and An Wanqing, hoping to disrupt Jing Kan's focus before the upcoming Tea Contest. At the dinner, Luo Zhusi overtly tried to pair them, offering chicken wings to both Jing Kan and An Wanqing and remarking on them being "a lovely couple."
She pressed the point by reminding An Wanqing and Jing Kan that they were "childhood sweethearts." Ai Sixi remained outwardly unfazed by these efforts, while An Wanqing, oblivious to the underlying scheme, simply stated she would help if she could. Jing Kan, however, seemed anxious, clearly understanding Luo Zhusi's true motives. Later, Jing Kan confronted Ai Sixi, accusing her of being carefree and indifferent to him.
He pointed out Luo Zhusi's obvious attempt to use An Wanqing to create discord between them. Ai Sixi, still nonchalant, dismissed his concerns, saying she saw "no discord" and found Luo Zhusi's suggestion for him and An Wanqing to study tea together reasonable, assuring him she wouldn't hinder them. Frustrated by her casual attitude, Jing Kan declared he would "let go of all my guard against Wanqing."
This finally provoked a reaction from Ai Sixi, who quickly responded, "You can't let go completely," revealing her concern that being with An Wanqing might hurt him. That evening, Jing Zhenzhu was struggling with her financial calculations when Lin Donglin returned. She asked him for advice on running a shop, seeking details from its preparation to hiring staff and earning its first profits. Lin Donglin, however, misinterpreted her questions as an interrogation about a rumored affair with Gu Xiaoyu.
He nervously defended himself, swearing that his pastry shop named 'Xiao Dianxin' was inspired by Jing Zhenzhu's own admonishments to "be careful" and had "nothing to do with Gu Xiaoyu." Despite Jing Zhenzhu's attempts to steer the conversation back to business, he continued his frantic denials. Exasperated by his lack of comprehension, Jing Zhenzhu dismissed him, realizing she needed to find another way to learn about business.
At the Tea Guild meeting, Jing Zhenzhu proudly showcased her success, falsely claiming Lin Donglin's popular pastry shop, 'Xiao Dianxin', as "one of her small businesses." She presented "Zhenzhu Cake" from the shop, garnering immediate support from the other sisters for the upcoming presidential election. Sensing her rising power, Jing Zhenzhu approached the current President Wan.
She offered to withdraw from the election and support President Wan's re-election if all Tea Guild tea purchases were exclusively made from her Jinyu Tea Wushen Temple shop. President Wan readily agreed to this condition. Meanwhile, Ai Sixi, after successfully securing new business, returned home heavily intoxicated, gleefully proclaiming she had earned the "first money of my life." She proudly presented fifty taels, a deposit she earned by herself, to her mother, Xue Muyun.
However, Xue Muyun immediately took the money, stating she would "keep it for you" so Ai Sixi wouldn't "waste it," promising to "definitely give it back" when she grew up. Ai Sixi's joy quickly turned to tears and frustration as she recognized her mother's familiar tactic and demanded her money back. Luo Zhusi then inquired with Cuiying about Luo Aji’s recent activities.
Cuiying reported that Luo Aji was diligently learning from Zhu Wan’er at Fu’s Restaurant and had even been praised. She cautiously added that Luo Aji had used his earnings to buy Zhu Wan’er a pair of earrings. Luo Zhusi, however, was pleased, interpreting this as a sign of Luo Aji developing good social skills. Cuiying, concerned that it seemed "a bit romantic," was dismissed by Luo Zhusi, who accused her of "picking on Aji."
Luo Zhusi and Cuiying later observed Jing Kan and An Wanqing in the courtyard. Jing Kan was attempting to persuade a reluctant An Wanqing to play jianzi. When Ai Sixi walked by, An Wanqing's demeanor brightened, and she warmly greeted her. Jing Kan then tried to invite Ai Sixi to the South Market, but Ai Sixi declined, encouraging An Wanqing to play with Jing Kan before leaving.
After Ai Sixi departed, An Wanqing confronted Jing Kan, stating she could "tell that you're trying to use me to make Sixi jealous," and advised him to "have some boundaries." Jing Kan attempted to deflect the accusation. Overhearing this exchange, Luo Zhusi mistakenly concluded that her plan to stir conflict was working and instructed Cuiying to decorate An Wanqing's room to be "as cozy as possible," unknowingly setting up her own failure.
As Ai Sixi went to a bookstore to purchase tea manuals, she spotted Luo Aji. Luo Aji was rushing to deliver a warm lotus leaf glutinous rice cake to Zhu Wan’er. Zhu Wan’er, initially annoyed upon seeing Luo Aji, thinking he had neglected his duties, was touched when he explained he had already arranged for the rice delivery and brought her the cake because she couldn't eat cold food. Ai Sixi observed their interaction without being noticed.
Meanwhile, An Wanqing found the romantic decorations in her guest room peculiar and discussed them with Jing Kan. Ai Sixi then arrived, excitedly sharing her discovery of Luo Aji’s new "beautiful and gentle" love interest and how he had gone to great lengths to buy her a warm lotus leaf glutinous rice cake. Jing Kan jokingly remarked on the room's wedding-chamber-like appearance, which An Wanqing agreed with.
Still trying to project an image of seriousness regarding his tea studies, Jing Kan then questioned why "he" would be in such a setting as An Wanqing’s "husband," emphasizing his true focus on tea. Luo Zhusi and Cuiying, eavesdropping from outside, overheard Ai Sixi’s revelations about Luo Aji and Zhu Wan’er, further confirming their suspicions. That night, Luo Zhusi and Cuiying covertly observed Luo Aji at Fu's Restaurant.
They witnessed him bravely drinking copious amounts of alcohol on Zhu Wan'er's behalf to protect her from insistent patrons, eventually carrying the intoxicated Zhu Wan'er back to her room. Cuiying expressed concern about Luo Aji’s intentions, but Luo Zhusi, dismissing her, insisted he was a gentleman. Upon seeing Luo Aji tenderly caring for Zhu Wan'er, Luo Zhusi regretted her earlier inaction.
Cuiying advised against a direct confrontation, fearing it would only alienate Luo Aji, reminding Luo Zhusi of his past anger when she interfered in his relationships. Luo Zhusi, recognizing the need for a subtle approach, secretly met with Zhu Wan'er. She subtly warned Zhu Wan'er, emphasizing their age difference and potential societal disapproval, urging her to end the relationship with Luo Aji. Zhu Wan'er acknowledged the "impossible" nature of their romance due to these factors.
However, Luo Aji later arrived with a special meal for her, asserting that he had found his "best choice" and would not give up on her. Faced with Luo Aji’s persistence, Luo Zhusi sought help from her sister, Luo Aji's mother, explicitly instructing her to persuade Aji to break up with Zhu Wan'er. However, upon meeting Zhu Wan'er, Luo Aji’s mother was unexpectedly impressed, finding her "beautiful," "talented," "wealthy," and "very caring."
To Luo Zhusi’s shock, her sister returned and declared she "agreed" to their relationship, arguing that Aji should be with someone he likes. She criticized Luo Zhusi for being unable to accept the relationship due to her past friendship with Zhu Wan'er. Luo Zhusi angrily insisted her sister call Aji over to end the relationship in front of her.
Reluctantly, Luo Aji's mother tried to dissuade Aji by repeating Luo Zhusi's arguments about Zhu Wan'er being "a bit too old" and the inevitable gossip. Aji challenged both his mother and Luo Zhusi, demanding his mother's "real thoughts" and accusing Luo Zhusi of forcing her. The argument quickly escalated into a heated family quarrel, with Aji defending his mother and Luo Zhusi defending herself.
