Flipped Episode 23 Recap
> Flipped Recap
Qi Tian confided in Kun Lan that she had frequently dreamt of flying higher and higher until she could no longer see herself. She explained that she used to be terrified of falling in these dreams, as some believed it meant death, so she would always force herself awake. Eventually, even the dreams of flying ceased. She reflected that gaining something often meant losing something else, but both were experiences.
Now, she declared, she had no fear of death, even if she were to fall. Kun Lan, in response, playfully called her a philosopher, but reminded her that while she might be fearless, he was risking his life to accompany her and couldn't afford to be so reckless. As they stood by the sea, Qi Tian wondered if birds in the sky pitied humans on the ground, observing that birds were so small and fragile.
Kun Lan mused that birds were likely too engrossed in their freedom to consider the lonely humans below. Closing her eyes, Qi Tian then expressed her profound happiness at being with him. Before paragliding, they both signed Hold Harmless Agreements. As they soared through the sky under the guidance of professionals, Qi Tian pointed out birds to Kun Lan, sharing what she described as the most beautiful day.
Later, as they prepared to part, Qi Tian embraced Kun Lan, promising not to disturb him again. She waved goodbye, deliberately not looking back, fearing she wouldn't be able to leave. She wished that in another life, she could meet him earlier, hoping he would still fall in love with her without hesitation. Upon returning to her place, Feng Shuangshuang discovered Kun Lan had left, leaving behind his guardian ring and a letter.
In the letter, Kun Lan admitted his past confusion about his feelings for Shuangshuang, realizing that what he mistook for love was likely a sense of mission. He acknowledged that his duty might have caused him to meddle too much in her life, leading him to believe he was the right person for her. He apologized for any trouble he caused and for leaving without a word, like someone else before him.
Kun Lan wrote that Qi Xun was her true guardian, someone who would protect and love her unconditionally. He, meanwhile, would continue his mission to protect those who awaited him in the dark, wishing her eternal happiness. Shuangshuang was in tears as she read the letter. Shortly after, Ah Xin delivered a set of keys to Shuangshuang, explaining that Kun Lan had secretly bought her old apartment to ensure she would never be evicted again.
Shuangshuang's eyes welled up with tears, and Ah Xin expressed his admiration for Kun Lan's kindness. Seeing Shuangshuang looking downcast, Qi Xun asked her if she would have ended up with Kun Lan if they had never met. Shuangshuang confessed she didn't know. This answer caused Qi Xun to feel a pang of loss, wondering if he wasn't special to her, or if he could be easily replaced.
Shuangshuang, gazing at the city lights, explained that while relationships might start with initial sparks, true uniqueness in a person comes from love. She then told Qi Xun, "I love you." Qi Xun lovingly embraced her and kissed her forehead. Later, by the beach, Qi Xun recounted his past, revealing he had once been a boring person whose sole purpose in life was Qi Tian's well-being. He admitted that without Qi Tian, his life would have been meaningless.
However, meeting Shuangshuang transformed his monotonous existence, filling it with joy and making every day a happy one. Amidst fireworks lighting up the night sky and heart-shaped candles spelling out "Shuangshuang, marry me" on the sand, Qi Xun proposed, and Shuangshuang happily accepted. Meanwhile, Shi Lang had prepared a bracelet as a gift for Qi Tian, but when he went to meet her, he found her unconscious on the ground.
Panicked, he scooped her up and rushed towards the hospital, calling out her name, Qi Xun's name, and pleading for her to wake up. As he hurried along, Qi Tian suddenly coughed up blood. Shi Lang cried out in despair, urging her to hold on, promising they would see Kun Lan soon. They finally reached the hospital, but Qi Tian, in a weak voice, refused to go inside.
She told Shi Lang she knew her time was short and had dreamt of her death. She implored him to take her away and tell Qi Xun they had gone on a trip, wanting him to remember her alive. Overcome with anguish, Shi Lang looked at the hospital entrance. Qi Tian then looked at him and asked, "Do you love me?" Shi Lang, tears streaming down his face, begged her to enter the hospital, but she adamantly refused.
In a moment of profound torment, Shi Lang made a wrenching decision and carried Qi Tian in the opposite direction from the hospital. Returning home, Qi Xun frantically searched for Qi Tian when he discovered her diary on a table. His expression changed dramatically as he realized the gravity of the situation. He tried calling her phone, only to find it lying in the house. In a panic, Qi Xun rushed out, desperately searching for her.
He tried calling Shi Lang, but couldn't reach him either, confirming his fear that something terrible had happened to Qi Tian. He then hurried to Feng Shuangshuang's apartment, where he encountered Feng Yun. This interaction eerily mirrored the premonition Qi Tian had experienced. Qi Xun pleaded with Feng Yun to let Shuangshuang save Qi Tian, promising that he would not let Shuangshuang be harmed and would face any consequences with her.
However, Feng Yun vehemently refused, reminding Qi Xun that his late wife, Xun Xue, had sacrificed her own life to save him. He would not allow his daughter, Shuangshuang, to make the same sacrifice for Qi Tian. Feng Yun then struck Qi Xun, explaining that saving Qi Tian would demand Shuangshuang's life as an "equivalent exchange." Stunned and heartbroken, Qi Xun collapsed to the ground, wracked with despair.
Unable to bring himself to speak to Shuangshuang, much less ask her to save Qi Tian, he left in a daze. Feng Yun watched him go, wanting to offer comfort, but ultimately held back. Unable to contact Qi Xun, Feng Shuangshuang went to his house. There, she discovered Qi Tian's diary. Reading through its pages, Shuangshuang learned about Qi Tian's life, including a premonition at age six about her parents' car accident, which marked the beginning of her misfortunes.
Qi Tian wrote about her brother's relentless search for healers over the years to save her, and how he was forced to mature prematurely, sacrificing his own life. She wished she were a normal person so her brother wouldn't have to endure such hardship, nor face the agonizing choice between her and Shuangshuang. However, she also expressed gratitude for her predictive abilities, which allowed her to meet Kun Lan and brought Shuangshuang into her brother's life.
Qi Tian noted how much happier and gentler Qi Xun had become since Shuangshuang's arrival. She wished time could have stopped at their first meeting so she wouldn't have to say goodbye, and her brother wouldn't face such a monumental decision. Shuangshuang wept as she read the heartbreaking entries.
