I Cannot Hug You Episode 16 (Ending) Recap
> I Cannot Hug You Recap
Yu Ze, pursued by Li Lanxi, the security officer of the vampire family, took his own life. With his death, the vampire disappearance cases came to an end. Li Lanxi later went to send off Qingran, a vampire who Yu Ze had arranged to live abroad. Qingran had been severely tortured but never disclosed the list of other vampires, something Li Lanxi thanked her for, noting it saved many others from misfortune.
Qingran inquired about Yu Ze's condition in prison, and Li Lanxi revealed that he had committed suicide right in front of her. She also mentioned that Yu Ze had requested her to lie to outsiders about his death to spare those who loved him from grief. Qingran, though shocked, acknowledged that this might be his best ending, despite her belief that he wasn't inherently evil, but rather driven by a desperate will to survive.
She reflected on how, despite her own difficult past, Yu Ze's struggle had taught her to find a reason to live, no matter how challenging life seemed. Meanwhile, Li Shiya woke up in the hospital. Li Lanxi visited her, advising her to get discharged soon to avoid suspicion from human doctors. Jiang Zhihao, arriving at Li Shiya's bedside, handled her discharge documents.
He gently asked if she was still in pain and if she wanted to talk about the unusual kidnapping. He assured her he would believe and protect her regardless. Li Shiya, noticing his disheveled appearance, commented on his usual germaphobia. Jiang Zhihao dismissed it, saying he was so focused on her that he had forgotten about his own discomfort.
Despite Li Shiya feeling unattractive, Jiang Zhihao tenderly told her she was beautiful and kissed her forehead, solidifying their bond after the ordeal. Elsewhere, Xin Ba was alone, lost in memories of his lonely childhood. He recalled being frequently adopted and then returned, branded as "weird" because of incidents related to his vampire nature, such as accidentally killing a family dog.
Feeling troubled and downcast, he called Li Shiya, who had just been discharged from the hospital with Jiang Zhihao still by her side, suggesting a sudden vacation for the three of them—himself, Li Shiya, and Shihuan—to relax. Li Shiya, considering Xin Ba as family, quickly agreed. Upon learning that Xin Ba had called, Jiang Zhihao grew agitated and demanded that Li Shiya refuse the invitation.
He believed Xin Ba's feelings for her extended beyond friendship, accusing Li Shiya of being naive to think "nothing ever happens between friends." Li Shiya, in turn, defended her stance, arguing that if nothing happened between her and Jiang Zhihao as lovers, then certainly nothing would happen between friends. Jiang Zhihao felt his feelings were dismissed, suggesting she didn't truly like him.
Li Shiya was left in tears, questioning the depth of Jiang Zhihao's affection for her and feeling a growing distance between them. The next day, Xin Ba took Li Shiya not for a fun outing, but to the church where they first met as children. He vividly recalled every detail of their initial encounter when Li Shiya was seven, including how she had named him "Simba" because his hair resembled a lion's mane, giving him a lion keychain.
He cherished that day, considering it his true "birthday" because her presence had made him feel saved, no longer alone, and part of a family. Li Shiya acknowledged the magical nature of their meeting, noting his transformation from a skinny child to a popular idol. Xin Ba then directly asked if she liked him.
When she affirmed her affection, emphasizing their family-like bond and his status as her dearest friend, Xin Ba confessed that he had never, not even for a second, thought of her as merely a friend. He admitted to constantly wanting a special place in her heart, resisting his true feelings for years and maintaining a cheerful facade because he feared that revealing his love would make her awkward and distant.
He clarified that his feelings for her were not those of a friend, but of a lover. He even questioned why she would choose a human like Jiang Zhihao over him, implying he should have "stolen her away." Overwhelmed, Li Shiya felt Xin Ba's confession was a joke and quickly apologized, stating she couldn't accept his affection before hastily leaving. Heartbroken, Xin Ba isolated himself at home, ignoring all calls and messages.
Worried, Shihuan went to Xin Ba's house, finding him in despair and offering comfort. Meanwhile, Jiang Zhihao sat at home, regretting his earlier argument with Li Shiya. The doorbell rang, and it was Li Shiya, who had come to apologize for their misunderstanding. Without a word, Jiang Zhihao pulled her inside and kissed her passionately, confessing his overwhelming love for her and apologizing for not expressing it adequately before.
Their reconciliation was a powerful affirmation that their arguments stemmed not from a lack of love, but from their deep care for each other. Later, Shihuan met Li Shiya for drinks. He first checked on her relationship with Jiang Zhihao and whether her estrus issue had resolved, which Li Shiya confirmed was manageable due to frequent physical contact with Jiang Zhihao.
Shihuan then explained to Li Shiya that Xin Ba, who he saw as an outstanding and warm person, had always presented a smiling, perfect image for her, meticulously hiding his deep pain and dark side. He believed Xin Ba did this out of fear that Li Shiya, his friend, would abandon him if she saw his vulnerabilities. Li Shiya struggled with this revelation, feeling she had unknowingly caused Xin Ba long-term pain.
Shihuan asked if she had considered accepting Xin Ba's romantic feelings to restore their previous dynamic. Li Shiya firmly stated that Jiang Zhihao was the only one she loved, and that while Xin Ba was her best friend and like family, her feelings for him were not romantic and would never change. Shihuan understood, concluding that continuing a friendship would only cause Xin Ba more suffering, and promised to support Xin Ba as he hopefully moved on.
As Li Shiya walked home, Jiang Zhihao was waiting for her, hoping to bump into her. Li Shiya told him she had come to a realization: no matter what challenges they faced or who might oppose them, they were meant to be together. Jiang Zhihao, delighted by her words, agreed, and they decided to go to the beach.
Li Shiya reflected on her nature as a vampire, how touch was traditionally for absorbing energy, but now, her touch with Jiang Zhihao was driven by love. She embraced her identity as a vampire in love with a human, anticipating judgment but believing her wonderful love story had just begun. At that moment, Jiang Zhihao received an anonymous text message on his phone: "Li Shiya is not a human, but a vampire."
