Fifteen Years to Wait for Migratory Birds Episode 21 Recap
> Fifteen Years to Wait for Migratory Birds Recap
Upon returning home, Li Li embraced her mother and cried uncontrollably. To conceal Li Li's serious illness, which was leukemia, Liu Fu quickly fabricated a story, claiming Liu Qianren had scolded Li Li for poor work performance. Liu Qianren, with a complex expression, collaborated with his father in this "well-intentioned lie" to keep the truth from Li Li's mother.
Liu Qianren had developed feelings for Li Li years ago and knew he had to seize the moment to care for her for the rest of her life. Liu Fu, although initially surprised by Liu Qianren's secret admiration for Li Li, fully supported his son's sincere intentions. Aware that her time was limited, Li Li spent the evening with her mother.
Unbeknownst to her mother, Li Li's mother recounted the story of how she met and fell in love with Liu Fu, and expressed her greatest wish to see Li Li married. While listening, Li Li silently made a decision, thinking of a phrase implying eternal devotion to Pei Shangxuan. Meanwhile, Li Jun, decisive in her feelings, returned Daniel's gift and even demanded that he discard the necklace she had given him.
Her coldness and ruthlessness deeply troubled Daniel but also solidified his resolve to leave for Korea for work. Li Li, back at her company, decided to resign again but was persuaded by Liu Qianren to instead transfer to the Beijing branch office. This was part of her plan to quietly leave and ensure no one, including Pei Shangxuan, would know about her illness or her impending chemotherapy before a specific surgical plan was finalized.
Li Li attempted to use her move to Beijing as a subtle way to break up with Pei Shangxuan, but his unwavering vows prevented her. Nevertheless, Li Li, being stubborn, remained resolute in her decision, noting in a notebook, "Pei Shangxuan, this year, I cannot like you anymore." Pei Shangxuan visited Li Li, still completely unaware of her leukemia. He supported her "work trip" to Beijing, expressing concern about her adapting to Beijing's climate and speaking words filled with care.
Overwhelmed by her inner sorrow, Li Li embraced Pei Shangxuan and wept bitterly. Although surprised, Pei Shangxuan did not delve deeper into the reasons for her distress. Following this, Li Li's family moved to Beijing without leaving any contact information for Pei Shangxuan. Li Li was admitted to the hospital for chemotherapy. The illness began to rage within her, and she was horrified to discover her hair starting to fall out.
Despite her preparations, the disease progressed rapidly, catching her off guard and nearly causing her to break down. Fortunately, Liu Qianren was constantly by her side, offering meticulous care, which helped Li Li quickly regain her composure and accept the chemotherapy. During her fight against the disease, she drew a bird's feather, reminiscing about the times she watched migratory birds with Pei Shangxuan. Liu Qianren, seeing the artistic merit in her drawing, sent the work to the Ornithological Association.
While Li Li went to great lengths to hide her illness from her mother—with Liu Qianren even arranging a tour package for her—Li Li's mother's own illness recurred. Years of fatigue and several sudden illnesses ultimately claimed her life. Her greatest wish had been to see Li Li marry. Six years later, Liu Qianren, Liu Fu, and Li Li moved back. Liu Qianren accompanied Li Li to visit her mother's grave.
At the graveside, he openly declared his desire to take care of Li Li for the rest of her life. His declaration surprised Li Li, though she had long been aware of his feelings but was simply not mentally prepared for such an open confession. Over these six years, Pei Shangxuan had transformed from a young man into a wealthy general manager. He became a sponsor for an art exhibition organized by a bird association.
At this exhibition, Li Li's feather painting was particularly striking. The exhibition's coordinator, bound by a confidentiality agreement, refused to disclose the artist's name to Pei Shangxuan. Dissatisfied, Pei Shangxuan lingered at the exhibition, yearning to meet the author of the feather painting. Li Li, having submitted her painting to the exhibition, intended to visit it herself and narrowly missed Pei Shangxuan, who was temporarily answering a phone call.
