Granting You a Dreamlike Life Episode 24 Recap
> Granting You a Dreamlike Life Recap
Luo Fusheng orchestrated an elaborate scheme to uncover the mastermind behind the assassination attempt on Xu Xingcheng. He sent an imposter, disguised as himself, to kidnap Hu Qi and lure out Qian Kuohai. When Qian Kuohai arrived, Luo Fusheng revealed that Xinglong Pavilion’s real target was Xu Xingcheng, the police chief’s son, suggesting a larger, more powerful force was manipulating events.
Luo Fusheng offered to return Hu Qi unharmed if Qian Kuohai disclosed the true motive for killing Xu Xingcheng and the identity of their backer. Qian Kuohai feigned cooperation, then suddenly attacked the imposter, rescuing Hu Qi. Hu Qi, initially furious and believing the masked imposter was Luo Fusheng, soon realized he had been tricked upon unmasking the man.
Luo Fusheng then appeared with his own men, affirming his plan and reiterating his demand for the truth about Xinglong Pavilion’s patrons. Qian Kuohai defiantly refused to share any information and revealed his hidden forces, who had been secretly summoned, escalating the confrontation into a chaotic brawl. Although Luo Fusheng’s men were gaining the upper hand, Hu Qi seized Luo Cheng and held him hostage, forcing Luo Fusheng to allow Qian Kuohai and his men to escape.
Luo Cheng apologized to Luo Fusheng, who reassured him of his safety and acknowledged Qian Kuohai as a cunning and formidable opponent. In the dance studio, Lin Qikai rigorously trained Hong Lan, striving to transform her into a prominent star. However, Hong Lan, accustomed to a life of luxury, quickly became frustrated by the demanding exercises and declared her intention to quit, lamenting the unfair hardship.
Lin Qikai, addressing her formally as "Boss Lin" in a professional setting, reminded her that true stardom required intense dedication. He passionately argued that the world’s most sought-after men pursue the most brilliant women, and that she was destined for a grander stage where all of Dongjiang would adore her.
When Hong Lan retorted that she only cared for one man, Lin Qikai acknowledged her affection for Luo Fusheng but pointed out she had previously lost to Tianying on stage because she hadn't captivated Luo Fusheng's heart. He urged her to redouble her efforts to prove her worth to Luo Fusheng, warning of even stricter training and giving her the option to quit if she couldn't commit. Motivated by his words, Hong Lan apologized and vowed to train harder.
Later, she steadfastly refused a midnight snack, explaining she was strictly adhering to a diet for her acting career, determined to completely transform herself. Her maid expressed concern about her newfound grueling routine, but Hong Lan remained focused on her goal. At the police academy, Xu Xingcheng endured grueling training, often subjected to harsh drills and verbal abuse from the drill sergeants and even mockery from a bullying fellow cadet.
The instructor announced an upcoming elimination round where half of the eighteen recruits would be dismissed following one-on-one combat matches, with opponents determined by drawing matching playing cards. To Xu Xingcheng's dismay, his designated opponent was the very bully who had been tormenting him. The bully openly relished the chance, calling Xu Xingcheng a "soft persimmon" and expressing sadistic pleasure at the prospect of fighting him. During their match, Xu Xingcheng refused to retaliate, enduring a severe beating.
Afterwards, he apologized to the instructor for his lack of aggression, explaining his belief in confronting violence with non-violence and arguing that police resorting to violence would make them indistinguishable from criminals. He contended that mental strength was paramount. The instructor, however, countered that a strong physique was essential for any police officer, even those in high positions, to effectively utilize their intellect when facing danger.
He cautioned Xu Xingcheng that without a robust body, his developed mind would be useless, and advised him to abandon his police aspirations if he couldn't adapt, as the final assessment would be far more demanding and only he could ultimately save himself. At the flower shop, Tianying encountered a frail, thirsty young woman named Feiyan. After offering her water, Tianying learned Feiyan was an orphan desperately seeking work to pay her rent.
Feeling deep sympathy, Tianying pleaded with her boss to hire Feiyan, despite the shop not needing extra staff. Tianying generously offered to split her own salary with Feiyan, explaining that she, too, was an orphan who understood hardship and was better equipped to endure financial strain. Touched by Tianying’s selflessness, the boss agreed to hire Feiyan, with Tianying promising to personally train her.
Later, Tianying realized her kindness had left her with barely enough money for her own living expenses, precluding her plan to buy a thank-you gift for Luo Fusheng. Despite her struggles, she accepted her inherently compassionate nature. Feiyan expressed immense gratitude and disbelief at her good fortune, feeling her new job was a dream come true, and Tianying encouraged her to nurture her dreams for a purposeful life. Tianying and Tianci discussed his job prospects over dinner.
Tianci, noticing Tianying's relentless work, felt he shouldn't freeload but confessed he hadn't found a suitable job beyond performing opera. Tianying suggested manual labor at the docks, but Tianci quickly dismissed it as too physically demanding and beneath his former status as a stage performer. He also rejected Tianying's suggestion of becoming a hotel doorman, deeming it humiliating.
Understanding his sensitivities, Tianying graciously reassured him that her earnings were sufficient for them both for the time being, urging him to wait for a job that truly suited him. Tianci was visibly relieved. Luo Fusheng and Lin Qikai shared drinks, both expressing their strong bond and missing Xu Xingcheng.
Luo Fusheng recalled how he playfully tricked Xu Xingcheng into his first drink, and while Lin Qikai joked about Luo Fusheng corrupting him, Luo Fusheng admitted Xu Xingcheng eagerly took to it despite his low tolerance. Luo Fusheng inquired about Xu Xingcheng's training and later voiced his deep concern for Xu Xingcheng's safety, acknowledging the increasing dangers as he pursued the truth behind the assassination attempt. He mentioned having his subordinate, Qi Fei, keep a watchful eye on him.
Luo Fusheng also asked about Hong Lan, prompting Lin Qikai to playfully chide Luo Fusheng for "not recognizing his blessings" to be loved by a woman like her. Lin Qikai then reassured Luo Fusheng that Hong Lan had found a new life goal and was gradually overcoming her heartache. Luo Fusheng asked Lin Qikai to continue looking after Hong Lan, to which Lin Qikai readily agreed, reminding him of his consistent care for her.
Lin Qikai then toasted Luo Fusheng for his upcoming birthday. However, Luo Fusheng revealed he hadn’t celebrated his birthday for 18 years, due to a traumatic event involving his father he witnessed on that day. Lin Qikai expressed understanding and renewed his birthday wishes. Hong Lan visited the flower shop, surprising Tianying by her presence. After signing an autograph for an admiring Feiyan, Hong Lan insisted that Tianying personally select a bouquet for "the most important man in my life."
Once Tianying chose the flowers and explained their symbolism, Hong Lan instructed Tianying to write a birthday card, dictating, "To the most important man in my life, Luo Fusheng, Happy Birthday." Tianying reacted with surprise upon realizing it was Luo Fusheng's birthday. Hong Lan then gloated, highlighting Tianying's ignorance of Luo Fusheng’s birthday and belittling her status as a mere "ordinary friend," implying she was no longer worthy of him.
Hong Lan proudly declared that she had always given Luo Fusheng his birthday gifts. After paying, Hong Lan arranged for the flowers to be delivered to the Hong family residence. Later that day, Luo Fusheng received the flowers, understood they were from Hong Lan, quietly thanked her, and handed the bouquet to Luo Cheng before leaving. The Hong family was enraged by Xinglong Pavilion's blatant provocations and the casualties among their men.
Qian Kuohai had earlier reprimanded Hu Qi for the botched assassination attempt against Xu Xingcheng, which not only failed but also cost them men and alerted Luo Fusheng. Hu Qi suggested that with Xinglong Pavilion’s growing strength now rivaling the Hong family's, they should openly challenge them. Hong Zhengbao was furious at Xinglong Pavilion’s disrespect. Hou Li tried to blame Luo Fusheng, suggesting his investigation had provoked Qian Kuohai and led to the current escalation.
However, Hong Zhengbao angrily dismissed Hou Li's words, defending Luo Fusheng's actions by reminding everyone of the Hong family's betrothal to the Xu family, making Xu Xingcheng's safety a priority. He explained that Xinglong Pavilion had long sought to undermine them, and even without Luo Fusheng's actions, they would have found other ways to cause trouble. Hong Zhengbao revealed that he had previously exercised restraint and tolerated Xinglong Pavilion's incursions due to the police director's emphasis on regional stability.
But now, with Xinglong Pavilion's open challenge, he declared an end to their patience. He ordered Luo Fusheng and Hou Li to meet Xinglong Pavilion's aggression with full force, implementing a policy of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," and instructing them to kill any Xinglong Pavilion member on sight without mercy. Before leaving, Luo Fusheng cautioned Luo Cheng and his men to be extremely vigilant, as Xinglong Pavilion's tactics were becoming increasingly brutal.
