Hidden Love Episode 23 Recap
> Hidden Love Recap
Sang Zhi rushed eagerly to meet Duan Jiaxu, her lack of composure annoying her brother, Sang Yan, who playfully questioned if Duan Jiaxu was truly the one who pursued her. Duan Jiaxu soon arrived, and he and Sang Zhi held hands as they settled into the back seat of Sang Yan's car.
Sang Yan grumbled about being their personal driver, sarcastically welcoming them to "Yan's personal ride" and warning them against inappropriate behavior in his car, while also hinting at his envy of their relationship. The trio arrived at a gathering where Duan Jiaxu formally introduced Sang Zhi as his girlfriend, much to the surprise of their friends, who remembered Sang Zhi being introduced as his sister at graduation.
Duan Jiaxu admitted he had been secretly crushing on her back then and was too embarrassed to reveal the truth. Their friend, Qian Fei, then announced that his wife was three months pregnant, prompting a chorus of congratulations from everyone. The conversation soon turned to the costs of confinement centers and hospitals, with Duan Jiaxu surprising Sang Yan by revealing he had already researched them.
When Sang Zhi wanted to drink, Sang Yan childishly called their mother to complain about her, causing a momentary stir before Duan Jiaxu interceded, reminding everyone that Sang Zhi had to be home by ten. As the evening wound down, Duan Jiaxu walked Sang Zhi home, explaining it would help her sober up from the wine she had consumed. Sang Zhi teased him about his supposed alcohol allergy, prompting him to kiss her, seemingly proving his allergy was gone.
She playfully cut the kisses short, admitting she missed him terribly when they were apart and felt the need to see him every day, before rushing home. At home, Sang Zhi's mother noticed the faint smell of alcohol on her. While she accepted it this time because Sang Yan was present, she sternly warned Sang Zhi not to drink alone outside.
The conversation then shifted as her mother revealed she had seen Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu together, realizing they were dating. Sang Zhi hesitantly admitted to the relationship, explaining that it was part of the reason she hadn't returned home for the summer break, along with her internship. She assured her mother that Duan Jiaxu was a good person who treated her very well.
However, her mother, while acknowledging Duan Jiaxu's character, expressed deep concerns about his family background, particularly his father's vegetative state and the ongoing issues with the victim's family. She worried that Sang Zhi might be mistaking admiration for love, given Duan Jiaxu had been a significant part of her life since childhood. Sang Zhi vehemently denied this, asserting that she was old enough to distinguish between admiration and genuine affection.
The next day, Duan Jiaxu suggested Sang Zhi spend more time with her parents, mentioning his own plan to formally visit them soon. Sang Zhi agreed to ask her parents. She confided in Duan Jiaxu that she felt too young at nineteen and wished she were twenty-nine, believing that her brother's potential reaction would be less problematic if she were older. Duan Jiaxu lightheartedly brushed off her worries, assuring her that he was happy.
Later, Sang Zhi's father invited Duan Jiaxu to their home while Sang Zhi was out. He politely expressed his surprise at their relationship and reiterated his concerns. He questioned Duan Jiaxu about the duration of their relationship, the status of his father's condition, and whether the victim's family continued to cause trouble.
Sang Zhi's father explained that while he and his wife were grateful for Duan Jiaxu's kindness towards Sang Zhi over the years, they harbored significant worries given his family's circumstances. He emphasized that Sang Zhi was young and spoiled, and as parents, they could not bear to see her suffer. He earnestly urged Duan Jiaxu to seriously consider their future together. Duan Jiaxu acknowledged their concerns, promising to resolve any issues and assuring them that he could manage everything.
Upon Sang Zhi's return from a classmate reunion, her parents reminisced about her childhood. Her father clarified that their worries stemmed not from snobbery, but from a profound desire to protect their daughter from any hardship. Her mother then revealed that she and Sang Zhi's father had met with Duan Jiaxu and expressed their concerns, advising Sang Zhi to re-evaluate the relationship and even consider breaking up if it wasn't suitable.
Sang Zhi listened in silence before asserting that Duan Jiaxu had never caused her any suffering. She declared her willingness to face and shoulder any challenges related to his family's situation with him, insisting that their relationship was deeply considered, not a whim. She pleaded with her parents not to be prejudiced against Duan Jiaxu, reminding them that he had no control over his family's circumstances and had already faced much judgment.
Feeling overwhelmed, Sang Zhi excused herself and went to her room. Worried about Duan Jiaxu, Sang Zhi called him, apologizing for her parents' words and urging him not to be upset. Duan Jiaxu tried to lighten the mood by joking about the age difference, but Sang Zhi firmly reassured him that he was a good person and that his family's situation was not his fault. She emphasized her willingness to support him and even help care for his father.
Duan Jiaxu, visibly touched, advised her to spend time with her parents and not to discuss their conversation further. He then informed her that he had to return to Yihe the next morning for an urgent client meeting. Sang Zhi offered to see him off, but he declined, citing the early flight.
After the call, Sang Zhi's mind raced with anxieties, wondering if his sudden departure was an attempt to avoid her and if he was truly considering ending their relationship. The following morning, determined, Sang Zhi packed her bags and informed her parents she was going to Yihe to see Duan Jiaxu. She expressed her understanding of their concerns but asserted that she was grown up and certain of what she wanted, asking them to trust her.
Her parents, though still worried, drove her to the airport. Once at the airport, Sang Zhi called Duan Jiaxu, who told her to wait for him. When he arrived, Sang Zhi confessed that her story about coming to Yihe in high school to meet an "online crush" was a lie. She revealed that she had actually come to find him after hearing from her brother that he might have a girlfriend.
She showed him a star-shaped paper from her childhood, containing a secret message she had written: "I have a secret. I'd hate to admit it, but I think I have a crush on him. Duan Jiaxu. Before I even knew which characters made up your name. . . I had fallen for you. I've been in love with you for years. To make a lot of money. To pay off his debts." With profound vulnerability, Sang Zhi pleaded with Duan Jiaxu to believe in himself, to disregard what others said about him, and to be with her forever.
