Granting You a Dreamlike Life Episode 16 Recap
> Granting You a Dreamlike Life Recap
Xu Xingcheng and Tianying formally began their relationship. Xu Xingcheng invited Tianying to play badminton, patiently guiding her until she quickly grasped the techniques. Tianying, confident in her skills, playfully challenged him, suggesting a wager of beef "shengjian" buns for the loser. After Tianying won a round, Xu Xingcheng jokingly proposed a new bet, punning on the sound of "shengjian" with a phrase that roughly translates to 'slave promoted to adultery'.
That evening, Hu Qi and his gang attempted to seize territory in Dongjiang city, claiming it for Xinglong Pavilion. Luo Fusheng confronted them, but Hu Qi was confrontational, asserting that Xinglong Pavilion would soon dominate the Hong family, and he, Hu Qi, would step on Luo Fusheng's head. Hu Qi then openly mocked Luo Fusheng, revealing that Tianying was now Xu Xingcheng's girlfriend and ridiculing Luo Fusheng for "giving up his beloved woman" for brotherhood.
He then suggested Luo Fusheng should also give up Hong family territory. Enraged, Luo Fusheng chased Hu Qi into an alley. Hu Qi continued to provoke him, declaring that "Feng Shui turns" and it was time for the Hong family to yield their dominant position. Luo Fusheng vowed that he would rather die than see that day come, and a brutal fight ensued. Luo Fusheng fought ferociously, intimidating Hu Qi's men, and ultimately emerged victorious, forcing Hu Qi to flee.
Later, Xu Xingcheng took Tianying to a church, describing it as both a sacred and romantic place. Inside, Xu Xingcheng volunteered to give vaccinations to the children. Tianying helped comfort a scared child named Lili, reassuring her that the injection wouldn't hurt and singing to distract her. Tianying then learned that Xu Xingcheng frequently volunteered at the church to treat impoverished believers who couldn't afford hospital care, considering it his "dedication" as a former doctor.
Impressed by his selflessness, Tianying admitted she had previously misunderstood him and apologized. Xu Xingcheng reassured her, expressing that regardless of his changing identity, his feelings for her remained constant. Tianying, deeply moved, offered to accompany him as a volunteer every week, an offer Xu Xingcheng happily accepted as they shared some bread. With his injuries healed, Luo Fusheng busied himself with the preparations for MGM's grand reopening.
On the night of the reopening, MGM was brightly lit, celebrating a joyous occasion. Xu Xingcheng and Lin Qikai arrived to show their support. Luo Fusheng toasted his two friends, acknowledging Xu Xingcheng's role in saving his life and jokingly enlisting him to "escort" MGM, as the Hong family's reputation was at stake. Shortly after, Luo Fusheng was called away by Elder Hong for Hong family matters. Later, he retreated to his room to drink alone, his festive mood broken.
Sister Shuang found him and recognized his sadness, intuiting it was about Tianying. Luo Fusheng confessed the profound pain he felt upon seeing Tianying with Xu Xingcheng, describing it as an unprecedented agony, worse than being stabbed seven or eight times. Sister Shuang offered comforting words, reminding him that unrequited love is a common experience, but one must find the strength to move forward. Luo Fusheng admitted he needed time but promised to eventually recover.
Meanwhile, during another outing, Tianying noticed Xu Xingcheng seemed down. He revealed his concern that Luo Fusheng was avoiding him, explaining that while he was rescuing Luo Fusheng, Luo Fusheng admitted his feelings for Tianying, leading them to "compete" for her affection. Tianying was surprised by this revelation.
Feeling that her presence was straining the friendship between the two men who had both saved her life, Tianying expressed her desire to remain friends with Luo Fusheng and to see their brotherhood restored. She decided to call Luo Fusheng, asking to meet him the next day at a coffee shop on Huaihai Road to clear the air.
Luo Fusheng, after receiving her call, mentally resolved to face the situation directly, deciding not to be a coward, and agreed to the meeting. Elsewhere, Lin Daoshan summoned his son, Lin Qikai. He inquired about Lin Qikai's plans to discuss dock business with Luo Fusheng, subtly warning him not to use it as an excuse to see Hong Lan and to avoid emotional entanglements, emphasizing that a man needs to establish himself without being overly sentimental.
Lin Daoshan then instructed Lin Qikai to go to the Xu family and take Xu Xingyuan to an art exhibition the following day, stating that she liked art. Lin Daoshan overrode Lin Qikai's attempts to decline due to a company meeting, insisting that nothing was more important. That night, Hou Li was overseeing the transfer of large boxes when Luo Fusheng arrived on patrol, questioning Hou Li's late-night activities. Hou Li claimed the boxes contained "delicacies."
Luo Fusheng feigned belief and walked away, only to return and deliberately hit one of the boxes, causing a muffled sound from within. He then openly accused Hou Li of abducting young women from out of town and forcing them into companionship at his casino, violating Hong family rules and disgracing their family. Hou Li defiantly compared his casino to MGM, arguing that he wasn't breaking any rules.
Luo Fusheng retorted that MGM specialized in performing arts, not forced prostitution, and would never coerce women into such degrading activities. Ignoring Hou Li's threats, Luo Fusheng insisted on opening the box, revealing several terrified women. He ordered Luo Cheng to ascertain their addresses and ensure they were safely returned home. Luo Fusheng then sternly warned Hou Li to report his misconduct to their uncle himself by morning, or face severe consequences. The next day, Tianying met Luo Fusheng.
She immediately asked him if he still considered her and Xu Xingcheng his friends. Luo Fusheng initially claimed he was too busy with MGM's reopening to connect with them. Tianying gently pressed, emphasizing Luo Fusheng's importance as a friend and her wish for his friendship with Xu Xingcheng to remain unaffected by her relationship. She expressed their hope for his blessing, as he was truly important to them. After a moment of heavy silence, Luo Fusheng finally granted his blessing.
Tianying, relieved, declared she was hungry, and at that moment, Xu Xingcheng appeared, dressed as a waiter, presenting "shengjian" buns. He reminded Luo Fusheng of their first meal together after Xu Xingcheng returned from France, which was also "shengjian". Xu Xingcheng acknowledged their past "competition" for Tianying's heart but expressed that despite winning, he didn't want to lose Luo Fusheng's friendship.
He humbly admitted that "love should not be a competition," and Tianying should not be a "trophy," stating that if their friendship was fractured, all three would be losers. Luo Fusheng, with a wry smile, accused them of conspiring to persuade him. He then playfully accepted, attributing his "blessing" to his hunger and the delicious "shengjian". A French photographer named James, witnessing their reconciliation, asked to capture their "beautiful" moment, and the three posed for a memorable group photo.
Meanwhile, Lin Qikai reluctantly took Xu Xingyuan to the art exhibition as commanded by his father. Xu Xingyuan observed Lin Qikai's preoccupation, accurately discerning he was thinking of Hong Lan, though Lin Qikai initially tried to deflect. She then showed him a painting she had created, describing it as abstract but strongly resembling him: outwardly reserved and calm, yet internally turbulent.
Lin Qikai was deeply impressed by her insight, stating she understood him better than he understood himself, and decided to purchase the painting for his bedroom. Xu Xingyuan then revealed she was the artist and boldly asked him to be her model for figure sketches. Despite his busy schedule, Lin Qikai, intrigued by the unique opportunity, agreed to be her model, finding the prospect of such an "interesting thing" appealing, as it offered a chance to relax from work.
Later, Xu Xingcheng walked Tianying home. Tianying was cautious, worried about being seen by people from her opera troupe, including her father and brother. Xu Xingcheng, however, was openly affectionate, wishing the whole world knew she was his girlfriend. Tianying shushed him, explaining that her father, Nine-tailed Red, and brother, Tianci, might not approve of their relationship and needed time to accept it.
Xu Xingcheng promised to be patient and to eventually win over her family, even offering to face their anger. Tianying expressed that while she understood his feelings, she couldn't bear him suffering for her and reiterated their family needed time. Xu Xingcheng promised to wait patiently for her and her family's acceptance. They expressed their reluctance to part, both longing for a life together, confident that day would come soon. Tianying eventually told him it was time for her to go inside.
