Golden House Hidden Love Episode 18 Recap
> Golden House Hidden Love Recap
In the early morning, Ms. Xi abruptly announced to her staff that they were leaving for Paris the next day. She explained that her foster mother had passed away, and she needed to take the body back to France, and she wouldn't be returning. She instructed everyone to pack their belongings immediately and told Bai Bing to discard a wedding dress, stating she no longer wanted it, despite Bai Bing remarking it was Ms. Xi's most satisfying work.
Learning that Nan Hua had revealed the truth, Jin Xia confronted Ms. Xi. Ms. Xi urged Jin Xia to pack and join her in Paris, suggesting Jin Xia's continued employment was due to Nan Hua. Ms. Xi called Nan Hua a "big treasure" who could potentially lead them to great success, even kingship or queenship in ancient times.
She argued that Mrs. Bruno's death benefited them, particularly Jin Xia, who, as chief apprentice, would become a rising star if the upcoming fashion show succeeded. Jin Xia firmly rejected this, stating that having Nan Hua, her own "big treasure," meant she was more likely to succeed on her own terms and would not go to Paris. She bid Ms. Xi goodbye.
Following her resignation, Jin Xia worried about her future, transitioning from a career-focused professional woman determined to own her home to an unemployed young woman facing mortgage and renovation costs. She knew Ms. Xi was shrewd and potentially harmful but was still concerned about the missed show opportunity and unpaid salary. Nan Hua reassured her, offering to support her financially.
Jin Xia initially insisted on financial independence but was moved when Nan Hua proposed a new life plan where she would be the "master of the family" (explaining the ancient meaning of head of household), pursuing her dreams, while he would earn money and handle household tasks. Later, on the way to the airport, Ms. Xi called Jin Xia to confirm her decision. Jin Xia, looking at Nan Hua, confirmed she was absolutely sure about resigning.
Ms. Xi admitted she envied Jin Xia for meeting someone like Nan Hua, contrasting it with her own life where she had to fight for everything using special means due to her background, stating that effort alone wasn't enough for someone from her circumstances. She asked to speak to Nan Hua. Ms. Xi apologized to Nan Hua, confessing she had selfishly used him but felt she had no choice in the cruel reality of the world.
Nan Hua refused her apology, saying he had witnessed human greed and narrowness but also kindness and selflessness, maintaining that how one chooses to live is a personal decision and anything else is just an excuse. Before hanging up, Ms. Xi confessed she wasn't the person he had been waiting for. She revealed the designs for the earrings and other accessories weren't her original work but were inspired by old photos from the Republic of China era.
She had worked for the woman in the photos, named Zhou Yinting, and saw her personal albums and collections, learning about Nan Hua from her diary. She suggested Zhou Yinting might be the one he was waiting for. Nan Hua acknowledged the name Zhou Yinting. He recounted a past encounter with her during the Republic of China period. She had sent a young boy with an earring as a token, asking for help when she was imprisoned.
By the time he arrived at the prison, it was empty, and all the prisoners had been urgently executed. He believed Zhou Yinting had died and later forgot about her after losing his memory. However, since Ms. Xi recently worked for her, Nan Hua realized Zhou Yinting might have survived. Jin Xia offered to help him search for her online, but Nan Hua declined, saying he wouldn't have even thought of it if Ms. Xi hadn't brought it up.
He expressed that with Jin Xia now in his life, these past matters were no longer important. He preferred to focus on preparing for their upcoming date rather than wasting time on insignificant people or events. The next morning, Jin Xia returned to the studio to pack her belongings. She found the studio in disarray and learned from Bai Bing that Ms. Xi had been anonymously exposed for plagiarism and her involvement with Mrs. Bruno's family.
The resulting scandal forced the cancellation of the fashion show, and the group had ordered the studio to be dissolved, requiring everyone to vacate the premises within the day. Jin Xia acknowledged that Ms. Xi had brought this upon herself but felt sympathy for her colleagues who were also losing their jobs. Despite the setback, she found solace in having Nan Hua. Excited about the date, Jin Xia began preparing by trying on various dresses and imagining romantic scenarios.
However, on the eve of the date, she suddenly developed acute internal hemorrhoids. Seeking medical help at a clinic, she was diagnosed with the condition. Despite the doctor's warning about the risk of rupture and recommendation for immediate surgery, Jin Xia insisted on being prescribed the strongest painkillers instead, stating she had a crucial plan for the next day.
That evening, Nan Hua prepared a candlelight dinner, revealing he had already withdrawn a significant amount of money from the bank (the 200k that was the building design deposit) that was meant for their date. Seeing his enthusiasm, Jin Xia struggled to find excuses to cancel, her attempts to claim sudden overtime (despite having just resigned) or period pain (despite having said her period just ended) failing as Nan Hua remembered her earlier comments.
Finally, she tentatively suggested they should choose an auspicious day for their first date. Nan Hua then revealed that the next day was not only a significant auspicious festival in his homeland but also his birthday. He asked her to dress up for the occasion. Jin Xia, despite her pain, resolved to make the day unforgettable. On the morning of the date, Jin Xia felt even worse, doubting the effectiveness of the painkillers.
She focused on applying makeup to create a natural, radiant look to appear cheerful for Nan Hua. She found that the tight dresses she had considered were impossible to wear with her condition, opting instead for a more comfortable, conservative dress, grateful for her old boxer shorts which now felt 'saving her life'. Nan Hua was ready and eager to leave. As they began walking hand-in-hand, Nan Hua's pace was too fast, causing Jin Xia intense discomfort.
She politely asked him to slow down, attributing his speed to his long legs. Nan Hua immediately apologized for being thoughtless and agreed to walk in smaller steps, confirming their first date was officially beginning.
