Granting You a Dreamlike Life Episode 26 Recap
> Granting You a Dreamlike Life Recap
At his deceased wife's grave, Xu Ruian, accompanied by his daughter, attempts to influence his son, Xu Xingcheng, who is visibly distraught. Xu Xingcheng expresses deep sorrow, feeling that all significant women in his life are fated to leave him. Xu Ruian dismisses his son's emotional turmoil, reminding him that a man's life is not defined by women and that he is destined for greatness.
He imparts a harsh philosophy: true success requires ruthlessly stepping over others, a principle Xu Xingcheng began to grasp during his police training. To that end, Xu Ruian offers Xu Xingcheng a promotion, giving him free rein to choose any position within the police station, in anticipation of Xu Xingcheng eventually taking over the family business.
Tianying visits Xu Xingcheng at the police station, hoping to clarify her relationship with Luo Fusheng, explaining they are merely friends and that her decision to remain in Dongjiang was her own, not a deception concocted with Luo Fusheng. She asserts that their separation is final and that avoiding him is better for both. However, Xu Xingcheng, consumed by a sense of betrayal, refuses to believe her.
He claims she was his sole anchor during his brutal police training and accuses Luo Fusheng of deliberately sabotaging their relationship. Tianying tries to defend Luo Fusheng, reminding Xu Xingcheng of their long-standing brotherhood, but Xu Xingcheng is too consumed by his jealousy. Alarmed by his changed and irrational demeanor, Tianying suggests he is obsessed rather than genuinely in love, urging him to regain clarity.
Unfazed, Xu Xingcheng defiantly declares that her supposed single status now gives him free rein to pursue her, to which Tianying warns that such actions will only push her further away. She then leaves. Following this intense encounter, Xu Xingcheng informs his father of his decision. Soon after, Xu Ruian publicly announces Xu Xingcheng's appointment as the new Inspector. Addressing his new subordinates, who privately question his rapid ascent, Xu Xingcheng asserts his authority with a stern declaration.
He warns that while private dissent is permissible, direct orders will demand absolute obedience, and any insubordination will result in severe consequences far beyond simple job loss. He promises to reward loyalty and hard work generously. At the flower shop, a disgruntled customer demands hefty compensation, claiming an allergic reaction to lilies and threatening to call the police. As Feiyan attempts to intervene, she is pushed, injuring her hand.
Xu Xingcheng, arriving at that moment in his new capacity, swiftly orders the customer's arrest for assaulting Feiyan in front of Tianying, dismissing Tianying's protests that he is abusing his authority. Tianying expresses her disdain for his methods, stating she doesn't need protection achieved through unethical means. In retaliation, Xu Xingcheng deliberately escalates his abuse of power by demanding residence permits from everyone in the shop, under the pretext of ensuring Tianying's safety.
Feiyan, unable to produce her permit, is taken into custody. Facing deportation, she desperately offers to become Xu Xingcheng’s informant, promising to provide updates on Tianying’s activities, leveraging his obvious obsession. Xu Xingcheng agrees, handing her his business card and cautioning her against being discovered. Feiyan later fabricates a story for her colleague, claiming Xu Xingcheng released her out of respect for Tianying. Tianying invites Luo Fusheng to a formal restaurant, where she is amused by his uncharacteristically elegant attire.
During their meal, she expresses her worries about Xu Xingcheng, regretting that her attempt to reconcile him with Luo Fusheng only exacerbated the tension. Luo Fusheng, however, remains unconcerned, believing that Xu Xingcheng is fundamentally reasonable and that time will heal any misunderstandings. Tianying, however, maintains that Xu Xingcheng has drastically changed since his return.
Shifting the conversation, Luo Fusheng confronts Tianying about her exhausting multiple part-time jobs, revealing his awareness that she shares her earnings with Feiyan and supports her unemployed brother, Duan Tianci. Concerned for her safety, he insists she take a job at MGM, promising she will earn her own way and receive no special treatment, but will be under his protective eye. Tianying, despite her reluctance to incur further obligations, eventually agrees.
Later, as Tianying walks home, she notices an unusual number of police patrols. Xu Xingcheng then appears, revealing he orchestrated the patrols, claiming to ensure her safety in the high-crime Grottoes area. Tianying realizes he used the residence permit checks at the flower shop to discover her address and accuses him of manipulative behavior and abusing his power. Xu Xingcheng openly confesses that her safety surpasses the importance of all other citizens in Dongjiang, betraying his possessive nature.
Tianying vehemently rejects his protection and his methods, stating his actions only push her away. Upon returning home, Tianying finds Duan Tianci drinking again. She attempts to discuss their dire financial situation and her decision to work at MGM. Tianci reacts with anger, accusing her of disgracing their master by working in a “romantic place” and of viewing him as a burden.
He bitterly compares himself to Luo Fusheng, leading to a heated argument where he shouts that she has no right to mention their father. Tianying, heartbroken, retreats to her room. The next day, Tianying begins working at MGM. She refuses to wear the revealing costumes required for dancers and instead requests backstage work, accepting a cleaning position, which includes Luo Fusheng’s private room.
While tidying his room, Tianying discovers numerous portraits and sculptures of herself, revealing the depth of Luo Fusheng’s unspoken affection. Luo Fusheng returns unexpectedly and playfully teases her about the artwork, but also reveals he has recorded her singing and is arranging for Dr. Robert to help her with her voice. Their conversation is interrupted by news that Monroe, MGM's star dancer, has seriously injured her leg and cannot perform.
With other dancers unavailable due to intimidation from Hu Qi of Xinglong Pavilion, Luo Fusheng is desperate for a replacement. He immediately looks to Tianying, insisting she perform, citing her stage experience and natural talent. Despite her initial protests, Tianying agrees. She delivers a mesmerizing performance, captivating the audience and impressing Huang Xinghan, a director present that night, who recognizes her innate star quality and considers her for a role as a maid alongside Honglan in his upcoming play. Luo Fusheng exchanges a knowing glance with Sister Shuang, acknowledging Tianying's unexpected success.
