Hidden Love Episode 25 (Ending) Recap
> Hidden Love Recap
After returning to Nanwu to start his business, Duan Jiaxu diligently began setting up his studio, starting by scouting for suitable office spaces. After touring a 200-square-meter former event venue, he settled on a 150-square-meter office in the Tech Zone, noting its suitability for a startup and the landlord's support for young entrepreneurs. In his free time, Duan Jiaxu met Qian Fei at Sang Yan's bar. During their gathering, Chen Junwen, his new chief programmer, arrived, exhausted from his journey.
Duan Jiaxu welcomed him, and they all joked about not picking him up from the airport. Later, Duan Jiaxu informed Sang Yan of his intention to visit Sang Zhi's parents, stating there were important things he wished to discuss. Sang Yan was surprised by his urgency, but Qian Fei noted that unlike Sang Yan, Duan Jiaxu was serious about his relationship and aiming for marriage. Duan Jiaxu playfully called Sang Yan "Brother-in-law," much to Sang Yan's annoyance.
When Sang Zhi called, Duan Jiaxu reported his whereabouts, and she expressed playful jealousy upon learning Sang Yan and Qian Fei were with him. After the call, Duan Jiaxu continued to tease Sang Yan, who, along with Qian Fei and Chen Junwen, comically suggested joining the visit to Sang Zhi's parents, an idea Duan Jiaxu quickly dismissed.
On the day of the visit, Sang Yan also returned home, having been asked by Sang Zhi to help, as she believed her parents were not fond of Duan Jiaxu. Duan Jiaxu arrived with gifts and was warmly welcomed. Over dinner, he confirmed to Mr. Sang that the studio's location was secured and his team was assembled. Afterward, Duan Jiaxu sincerely addressed Sang Zhi's parents, acknowledging their concerns.
He assured them that the past issues related to his father's accident had been fully resolved and pledged to work hard in Nanwu for their future together. He emphasized how Sang Zhi had changed his life for the better, recounting her selflessness and her vow to protect him. He solemnly promised to dedicate his entire life to her happiness. Moved by his sincerity, Mr. and Mrs. Sang admitted their primary concern had always been Sang Zhi's happiness.
Duan Jiaxu expressed his gratitude, noting that Sang Zhi’s excellent character was a testament to her wonderful parents, to which Sang Yan comically added that having a good brother also helped. As Sang Yan walked Duan Jiaxu out, he advised him not to shoulder every burden alone. The walk sparked a memory for Duan Jiaxu, who recalled that the first time he met Sang Zhi was on this very path while taking out the trash with Sang Yan.
He reminisced about how Sang Yan had complained that his younger sister was in a rebellious phase. In the memory, after Sang Zhi's teacher requested a parent-teacher meeting, she had asked Duan Jiaxu to go, leading to an annoyed Sang Yan telling him to attend in his place. Later that evening, Duan Jiaxu video-called Sang Zhi and happily informed her that he had met her parents and they no longer opposed their relationship.
Overjoyed, Sang Zhi shared her own good news: her design project had won an award, with the ceremony scheduled for the end of the month. She eagerly invited him, but Duan Jiaxu expressed regret, explaining that his new project required many meetings at that time. Understanding, Sang Zhi made him pinkie-promise to attend her next award ceremony. Despite what he said, Duan Jiaxu surprised Sang Zhi by showing up at the award ceremony.
He explained to her and her friends, Yu Xin and Ning Wei, that he had flown in that morning, taking the place of a colleague who had also been invited. He admitted he wanted to surprise her, inspired by a long-distance relationship guide she had made. As Duan Jiaxu, now a presenter for the event, took the stage to announce the final award, he sweetly acknowledged his girlfriend in the audience.
A montage of their past aspirations played on screen before he announced Sang Zhi as the winner for "Best Character Design." As she walked onto the stage, they stood side by side, having both realized their dreams. Two years later, Sang Zhi graduated. At a beachside gathering, she was led to believe they were setting up a surprise proposal for their friends.
Using Ning Wei's smudged makeup as a ruse to lead Sang Zhi away, her friends quickly arranged a heart shape in the sand with rose petals. Sang Zhi was then blindfolded and led to the spot, only to realize the surprise was for her. With her parents and Sang Yan present, Duan Jiaxu began his proposal.
He told her that before meeting her, he thought he would be alone for life, but she taught him the joy of loving and being loved. He confessed he had little to offer but a six-word promise: "one person for a lifetime." He asked, "Will you marry me?" Amidst cheers, Sang Zhi accepted, and he slipped the engagement ring onto her finger. Afterward, Sang Zhi marveled at his ability to keep a secret, admiring his long-held crush.
Duan Jiaxu then revealed his own secret: he had fallen in love with her even before she confessed, pinpointing the first snow of her freshman year as the moment it began. Their story, which started when Duan Jiaxu was twenty-two, concluded as Sang Zhi turned twenty-two. Over five years, she strived to become a better person to close the distance between them, only to discover he had been running toward her all along.
She healed his past wounds, and he brought her youthful first love to a perfect conclusion. The story ends with Sang Zhi finding a hidden, folded star from him, curious about the wish written inside.
