Got a Crush on You Episode 21 Recap
> Got a Crush on You Recap
Zhou Yao recounted to Lu Qun how his life changed after Lu Qun first took him to a drinking session, realizing that life could be lived differently. He admitted that Lu Qun often told him he was too timid and introverted, always unsure how to approach strangers, especially girls, and that he should learn from Lu Qun.
Zhou Yao confessed that he had joined a "goddess group" through Lu Qun, added a girl, and then copied Lu Qun's way of speaking to her. Once the girl seemed to accept him, he started taking photos from Lu Qun's social media. He admitted this not only damaged Lu Qun's reputation but also made him feel like "a mouse in the shadows," always hiding.
Knowing that his deceit would eventually be exposed, he offered to apologize to all the girls he had chatted with. Lu Qun told Zhou Yao they wouldn't punish him but urged him to reflect on his actions and promise there would be no repeat, assuring him they would keep the matter private. Zhou Yao, however, felt too ashamed to face Lu Qun and their colleagues, believing he no longer deserved to remain in Polar Night, the rescue team.
As Zhou Yao prepared to leave, Lu Qun approached him, apologizing for his own oversight. Lu Qun explained that he had always seen Zhou Yao as a younger brother and never imagined his actions would cause Zhou Yao such pain, wishing he had understood him sooner. Zhou Yao, in turn, apologized for embarrassing Lu Qun, reiterating that he had always considered Lu Qun his best brother before bidding him farewell.
Later, Han Xiaoli informed Lu Qun that Zhou Yao had sincerely apologized to all the girls in the group, and fortunately, no real harm had been done. She asserted that Lu Qun bore responsibility for the incident, accusing him of constantly treating Zhou Yao as a subordinate and "instilling unhealthy ideas," calling him the "original instigator." Lu Qun attempted to shed his "playboy" image, but Han Xiaoli retorted that his reputation for flirting was precisely why everyone initially suspected him.
When Lu Qun questioned why she helped him if she didn't trust him, Han Xiaoli explained that she considered him a friend and didn't want him misunderstood, especially since her group of friends awaited the truth. She added that her help in clarifying the situation made them "even" after she had previously accused him, though Lu Qun disagreed.
Han Xiaoli then firmly stated she preferred not to start a romantic relationship to avoid being hurt, wanting to maintain their friendship instead. Meanwhile, Qian Cheng reached out to Gao Qingyin, asking her to be a model for his graduation piece, "Half Life," despite the low pay. Gao Qingyin readily agreed, stating the compensation didn't matter and she was willing to sacrifice her rest time.
To conceal her true feelings for Qian Cheng, she told her agent that she was merely helping him because she didn't want to owe him a favor, considering it a way to return a past favor. Her agent cautioned her, suggesting that after giving up her previous crush, she might be feeling an "empty period" and should be careful not to fill it with just anyone. The agent disparagingly described Qian Cheng as "unreliable," "not manly," and "Song Xingchen's nephew."
Separately, Song Xingchen, busy at her computer, explained to Han Xiaoli that she was researching stretch mark essence due to numerous private messages from clients. Han Xiaoli later encountered Gao Qingyin and asked if she was in a bad mood, wondering if she had finally given up "hounding her brother Su." Han Xiaoli clarified that her current feelings weren't about her brother Su.
She admitted that she used to think she only liked her brother Su, but now realized it wasn't the case, confessing that ever since meeting "that guy," she couldn't stop thinking about him and wished time would stop when she did. Han Xiaoli denied having a crush but conceded she was unsure of her feelings because she suspected he didn't like her back, especially since he knew she had liked her brother Su.
Gao Qingyin advised her to tell "him" it was a "different kind of liking," but Han Xiaoli worried about losing their friendship. Gao Qingyin then advised her to observe his feelings and confirm her own preferences, recounting a past crush on a "scumbag" senior in college. Later, Madam Hu called Tang Ruize, inviting him to Song Xingchen's place for lunch, explaining that she and her husband wanted to cook for Song Xingchen, who had been very busy.
Tang initially demurred but accepted. Unbeknownst to Song Xingchen, her parents arrived unannounced at her apartment. Song mother, expecting a messy apartment, was surprised by the cleanliness. They encountered Su Qingche inside, who initially tried to imply they had the wrong apartment before confirming he was "the cleaner Ms. Song hired." Song mother, observing his good looks, commented on how handsome cleaners were these days and found him vaguely familiar.
As Song mother began to praise his cleaning and reached for some clothes on the sofa, Su Qingche quickly intervened, revealing they were his personal items and swiftly moving them. Song mother then tried to use the bathroom, but Su Qingche hastily claimed it had "problems" and needed more cleaning, redirecting them to wash their hands elsewhere while quickly hiding his toiletries.
Receiving frantic texts from both her mother and Su Qingche, Song Xingchen realized her parents were at her home and rushed back, telling Han Xiaoli her home was "going to be in chaos." Soon after, Tang Ruize arrived with gifts, warmly welcomed by Song mother. She introduced Su Qingche as Xingchen's "new cleaner," noting he was "diligent." Tang Ruize, deliberately feigning ignorance, commented that Su Qingche didn't look like a cleaner, his words subtly barbed with sarcasm.
Song mother, making general comments about young people being flighty and "petty," was met by Su Qingche's pointed remark about people needing "boundaries." She then proceeded to praise Tang favorably, contrasting him with Song Xingchen's previous blind date, whom she disparagingly described as "unreliable" and "rude" and revealed also had the surname Su. Su Qingche, hearing this, intentionally put salt in the tea he was preparing.
Before serving it, he pointedly asked Song mother what animal liked setting boundaries, then answered, "Dogs." Tang Ruize, upon tasting the salty tea, discreetly feigned scalding himself. He then, under the guise of tidiness and Xingchen's dust allergy, instructed Su Qingche to put away a vinyl player and wipe down a dusty bookshelf, keeping him busy.
While cleaning, Song mother discovered an expensive watch on the sofa, questioning how Su Qingche, as a "part-time student," could afford such a valuable item. Su Qingche hastily claimed it was a "fake," worth "a bicycle at most," despite Song mother's insistence it looked genuine and was worth "a car." Song mother then admonished him against vanity and wearing fake items, again praising Tang Ruize's virtues.
Song Xingchen then arrived, vouching for Su Qingche as a "good friend's recommendation" and praising his diligent work, but Song mother persisted in scrutinizing the watch's "fake" status, pointing out an incorrect logo and misspelling. Overhearing Song mother's persistent praise for Tang and encouragement for him to visit Song Xingchen more often, a visibly agitated Su Qingche, due to jealousy, accidentally broke a flower.
Song Xingchen then pulled Tang Ruize aside into the bathroom, explaining her parents' unexpected visit had caught her off guard. She desperately asked him to keep her relationship with Su Qingche a secret, fearing the repercussions, and Tang agreed not to reveal it to her parents. Back in the living room, a restless Su Qingche continued to clean as Song mother openly suggested that Song Xingchen and Tang Ruize should "just get together."
In response, Su Qingche deliberately retrieved a book titled "Truth" and carried it conspicuously. As the group discussed whether to cook at home or eat out, with Song mother initially insisting on cooking Tang's favorites and Xingchen and Tang advocating for a restaurant, a delivery person arrived. He asked for "Mr. Su's delivery" and, recognizing Su Qingche who had been trying to hide, assumed Song Xingchen's parents were his "in-laws," even asking if they were on a blind date.
This immediate exposure infuriated Song mother, who demanded to know why Song Xingchen hadn't told her and accused Tang Ruize of having known all along. Overwhelmed, Song mother, with Song father, abruptly left. Tang Ruize immediately pursued Madam Hu, attempting to calm her down. He tried to convince her that Su Qingche was "a decent man" and encouraged her to observe him, assuring her she would see his good character eventually.
Madam Hu, however, accused Tang of taking Su Qingche's side and questioned if he still liked Song Xingchen. Tang affirmed his feelings for Song Xingchen but asserted his belief in her judgment. Madam Hu expressed disappointment over the chaotic turn of events, stating she had merely wanted to treat Tang to lunch. She then mused that Song Xingchen likely didn't hide her relationship on purpose but hadn't found the right moment to explain.
Tang agreed to speak with Song Xingchen about it. Song mother, still fuming, continued to lament the situation, praising Tang while dismissing any mention of her daughter from Song father. Later, Song Xingchen apologized to Su Qingche, acknowledging her mother's bluntness but emphasizing she meant no harm. She regretted not informing her parents about their relationship sooner, which led to the awkwardness, and admitted she hadn't anticipated Tang's presence.
She assured Su Qingche she would return home that night to explain everything, confident her mother would eventually come to like him. Su Qingche expressed understanding, acknowledging that in her parents' eyes, he might not be the ideal partner, but he still desired their approval, believing they just needed to know him better.
