I Am The Years You Are The Stars Episode 16 Recap
> I Am The Years You Are The Stars Recap
Xiaoyu's master noticed her subdued behavior and correctly guessed she was dealing with a breakup, even though Xiaoyu kept her feelings hidden. He cautioned Zhang Quande, who was planning his wedding, not to mention it around Xiaoyu, as she was recently heartbroken and the news would only upset her further. The master understood that Xiaoyu was no ordinary child; she kept her emotions to herself and always considered others, yet she was also clear about her own actions.
He sighed, wondering if he would ever live to see Xiaoyu's wedding. Qian Cheng brought Xiaoyu a durian cake, which made her joke that he was trying to poison her. He then seriously advised her to stop quarreling with Jiang Baiju. Xiaoyu explained that she had always believed Jiang Baiju’s life wish was to die, but she felt it was an impossible task because he was so difficult to kill.
She later learned he had a specific plan: to jump into a steel furnace, have himself beheaded, and his heart removed. Before meeting Xiaoyu, Jiang Baiju had made an agreement with Mrs. Dao to end his own life after her death. However, Mrs. Dao had asked Xiaoyu to convince Jiang Baiju that he could become an ordinary person. Xiaoyu, however, believed he would still follow his original plan to destroy himself after her death.
Qian Cheng remarked that Xiaoyu was like a temporary painkiller for Jiang Baiju, offering short-term relief but with harmful long-term effects. Xiaoyu reflected on her love for Jiang Baiju, acknowledging his long past that she couldn't be a part of, and a future she felt unqualified to give him. She realized he had a soulmate destined for death with him, and other beautiful women who could wait for him, while she was merely an unnecessary painkiller.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke. Later, Xiaoyu received a wedding invitation from Zhang Quande and brought it to her master. The master reminisced about the only time he attended a wedding outside their profession, that of Chief Cheng's parents. He mentioned the societal belief that their profession brings bad luck, wondering if it was why Chief Cheng's parents only had Cheng Weilan ten years after their wedding. Xiaoyu reassured him not to be so superstitious.
The master then earnestly expressed his deepest wish: to receive a wedding invitation from her. He then offered her some advice on love, reminding her to cherish those who are sincere and devoted to her, especially considering her own health challenges compared to her partner. He emphasized that her boyfriend, despite her short life expectancy, chose her without hesitation, a decision that required immense courage.
Feeling unwell and experiencing a nosebleed, Xiaoyu lamented her short life, questioning why she had to endure such things while others lived long or were even immortal. Weilan found her and lightheartedly accused her of being constipated due to sentimentality, but Xiaoyu expressed her deep emotional pain, admitting she once secretly forgave God for her strange disease after meeting Jiang Baiju, believing it was meant for him. Weilan then invited her to join the Qing'ai anniversary celebration.
The Qing'ai anniversary celebration began, where CEO Qian Cheng and designer William Dao were greeted warmly. William spoke about his design philosophy, and Qian Cheng confirmed a collaboration with actress Yang Xue'er, who was also present. During the event, Mrs. Dao met Jiang Baiju, and he expressed confidence in winning Xiaoyu back. However, upon seeing Lin Nuoyan, Jiang Baiju still felt a surge of anger and self-doubt.
William's assistant also confided in him about his "old father mentality," admitting he dislikes Xiaoyu but acknowledges Young Master's affection for her. He assured William that what happened at the media-free, no-photo event would remain a secret from Xiaoyu. Xiaoyu and Weilan arrived at the celebration backstage, hoping to avoid crowds. They stumbled upon Mrs. Dao, who was in a clothing warehouse retrieving items for a museum exhibition.
Mrs. Dao, who owned "the whole Qing'ai," playfully chastised them for "sneaking in" instead of openly attending. Weilan explained they were there to find a "man" or "ex-boyfriend." Noticing their unkempt state, Mrs. Dao took them to a dressing room and arranged for her personal team of stylists, makeup artists, and hairdressers to prepare them for the banquet within the hour. Meanwhile, Jiang Baiju was at the event. Yang Xue'er formally introduced herself to Jiang Baiju, and they danced together.
Lin Nuoyan, introduced as Professor Lin, head of the Organ Donor Association and spokesperson for the Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, briefly interacted with William's assistant. Following Lin Nuoyan's indication, Xiaoyu spotted Jiang Baiju dancing with Yang Xue'er. Seeing them, Xiaoyu sadly thought about how wonderful it would be if he could continue to live so carefree after her death.
Lin Nuoyan, sensing her melancholy, invited Xiaoyu to dance with him, suggesting they could even do a square dance if they couldn't perform ballroom steps. Dao Ruifeng observed the escalating tension, describing the scene as a "bloody battleground." As Jiang Baiju performed a dance move that reminded him of practicing with Xiaoyu, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest and collapsed. Xiaoyu immediately rushed to his side. He took her hand, and they left the celebration together.
They talked candidly, clearing up their misunderstandings. Xiaoyu expressed her deep hurt, likening her heart to fragile glutinous rice paper, easily broken. She reiterated her belief that her "strange disease" was meant for the one she loved. Jiang Baiju, in turn, explained that his recent actions with Yang Xue'er were orchestrated by William because William couldn't handle things himself.
He apologized for not having told her about his agreement with Mrs. Dao regarding his death, or about his interactions with Yang Xue'er. Understanding each other’s true feelings, Jiang Baiju gently cupped Xiaoyu's face and kissed her.