Her Fantastic Adventures Episode 9 Recap
> Her Fantastic Adventures Recap
Duan Yu and Gu Qingqiao shared a secret, confirming that she was the Star of Rebellion. Gu Qingqiao explained that a bell, the Nine-turn Melodious Bell, given to her by someone very close, was proof of her identity. She confided that she had never told anyone else this secret and that the bell had helped her through difficult times. She emphasized that this was their small secret and that life could be bitter, but they would make it sweet.
Duan Yu later discussed Gu Qingqiao with Xing Si, asking for his assessment of her character. Xing Si described her as a good person, noting that while she might speak oddly, her feelings for Duan Yu were genuine and deeply felt, something he could sense. Xing Si pointed out that their mutual affection was clear and suggested taking the opportunity to marry Gu Qingqiao into the Duan family, thus making the Star of Rebellion useful to them.
Duan Yu acknowledged that Gu Qingqiao was not a bad person and he couldn't bring himself to harm her or break ties with her. However, his elder brother was expected to emerge from seclusion soon, and if he discovered Gu Qingqiao was the Star of Rebellion, he would immediately kill her.
Xing Si suggested either deceiving their family's lord or truly marrying Gu Qingqiao to protect her and align the Star of Rebellion with the Duan family, assuring Duan Yu that their lord might consider his feelings as his younger brother. Duan Yu dismissed this as irresponsible towards both Gu Qingqiao and the Duan family. Gu Xingwu, aiming to push Duan Yu towards marrying Gu Qingqiao, orchestrated the spread of rumors.
He hired a storyteller who recounted Gu Qingqiao's act of drinking five jars of wine at a tavern to persuade the owner to donate grain during the shortage, portraying it as a testament to her deep affection for Duan Yu. The storyteller announced that Duan Yu and Gu Qingqiao were deeply in love and about to marry, suggesting Duan Yu would naturally choose Gu Qingqiao over Ruoyun.
These rumors quickly circulated throughout the city, causing many people to discuss the impending marriage and Ruoyun's fate. When Ruoyun heard the widespread talk, she suspected Gu Qingqiao was deliberately spreading these rumors to force the marriage and seize credit for resolving the grain shortage. Believing Gu Qingqiao was deceitful, Ruoyun decided to confront her directly at the Gu residence.
Aware of Gu Qingqiao's fondness for pearl milk tea, a drink unconventional in Changqing, Duan Yu spent a morning experimenting to create it himself, even using genuine pearls. He sent Xing Si to deliver the unique beverage to the Gu residence. Gu Qingqiao, upon Xing Si's arrival, initially feared Duan Yu was sending her a message to end their relationship or even poison her because he now knew her identity as the Star of Rebellion.
Gu Xingwu, however, mistook Xing Si's visit for a formal proposal delivery. Xing Si clarified that he was merely delivering the pearl milk tea Duan Yu had made for Gu Qingqiao to help with a hangover, emphasizing there was no other message. Gu Qingqiao was astonished and deeply touched by the thoughtful gesture, especially the real pearls. As they were discussing the tea, Ruoyun arrived at the Gu residence to confront Gu Qingqiao.
Seeing Xing Si, she inquired about the gift from Duan Yu. Xing Si quickly took his leave. Ruoyun then invited Gu Qingqiao to her mansion for a tea gathering, where Gu Qingqiao learned the full extent of the city's rumors about her impending marriage to Duan Yu.
Realizing her father, Gu Xingwu, was likely behind the widespread gossip, Gu Qingqiao found herself in a difficult position, unable to fully explain to Ruoyun, who was clearly upset and believed Gu Qingqiao had deliberately plotted against her. During the tea session, Ruoyun showcased her extensive knowledge and refined taste in tea, discussing different types, brewing methods, and appropriate tea wares from famous kilns. Gu Qingqiao, navigating the tense situation, played along and offered flattery, attempting to placate Ruoyun.
However, Ruoyun's attendant cautioned her not to be deceived by Gu Qingqiao's apparent friendliness, interpreting it as a sign of guilt, and urged Ruoyun to remain resolute. Ruoyun resolved not to be easily swayed. Meanwhile, Duan Yu decided to make a journey to the Divine Palace while his brother was still in seclusion. He knew that visiting the Divine Palace was said to result in the loss of martial arts skills, effectively turning a person into a commoner.
Xing Si urged him to reconsider, but Duan Yu was determined to go, believing he must understand the prophecy of the Star of Rebellion before his brother returned to prevent great chaos and protect Gu Qingqiao, whose life would be in peril if his brother discovered her identity first. He stated his resolve was firm. Before leaving, Duan Yu went to see Gu Qingqiao.
He told her he was going on a long trip and asked her to take good care of herself. He attempted to return the Nine-turn Melodious Bell to her, acknowledging its importance as a relic from someone dear to her. Gu Qingqiao, however, insisted that Duan Yu himself was now the most important person to her and that the most precious item should be kept by the most important person, returning the bell to him for safekeeping.
Duan Yu reciprocated her sentiment, telling her that she was also the most important person to him. They embraced, expressing their desire to stay together and promising to face any difficulties together. Gu Qingqiao urged him to return safely, assuring him she would be waiting for him. Duan Yu expressed his belief that he would find a solution in the Divine Palace that would benefit both of them.
Ruoyun, learning from Xing Si that Duan Yu had gone to the Divine Palace without stating his purpose, suspected it was related to Gu Qingqiao and expressed her frustration over the ongoing entanglement. Duan Shaoyi offered to help Ruoyun defeat Gu Qingqiao while Duan Yu was away.
After Duan Yu's departure, Gu Qingqiao embarked on a creative project, developing a new game she called 'Big Tycoons' in her father's study, much to his confusion and dismay over the state of his paintings. She then brought the game to the Duan residence, seeking out Xing Si, Shaoyi, and Ruoyun to play. She expressed her desire to build a relationship with them, humorously referring to Ruoyun as her "sister-in-law" and Shaoyi as her "nephew."
Shaoyi, protective of Ruoyun's position and initially hostile towards Gu Qingqiao, made veiled jabs about respecting "first come, first served," but Gu Qingqiao cleverly deflected his remarks. As they played 'Big Tycoons,' buying properties like a bookstore and an escort agency, Shaoyi discovered a knack for business and became increasingly engaged. Seizing the opportunity, Gu Qingqiao offered him an internship at her Qingfeng Restaurant to help him pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations.
Ruoyun, observing Shaoyi's shift in attitude and becoming increasingly annoyed by the game and Gu Qingqiao's ease, threw the dice and declared she was tired of the "scheming game," ending the session abruptly. Shaoyi admitted he felt like he forgot their original purpose just by talking to Gu Qingqiao, acknowledging her unique influence. Around this time, Duan Yu entered a thick, misty forest. As he ventured deeper, he was suddenly enveloped and pulled away by an unseen force.
Later, Shaoyi visited the Qingfeng Restaurant looking for Gu Qingqiao, finding it unusually empty. Gu Qingqiao explained it was likely before the main dining hours but assured him it would be busy later. She offered to personally prepare dinner for him in a private room, appreciating his visit. While at the restaurant, Gu Qingqiao discovered Dongxi's father causing a scene. He was demanding money from Dongxi, citing an old debt related to Dongxi's mother.
When Dongxi refused to give him the earrings Gu Qingqiao had given her, he forcibly took them. Gu Qingqiao intervened, telling Dongxi's father that this was the last time she would tolerate his behavior. She gave Dongxi her own earrings instead of the ones her father took. Gu Qingqiao reminded him that Dongxi was bound by a contract of sale to the Gu family and threatened to involve the authorities if he ever bothered Dongxi again. Dongxi expressed gratitude and concern for Gu Qingqiao giving away her favorite earrings, but Gu Qingqiao reassured her, saying Dongxi was far more important than any material possession.
