Let's Meet Now Episode 18 Recap
> Let's Meet Now Recap
Ji Qiu returned home in low spirits after her date with Jiang Yu. Song Rongrong told her that she had almost run into Xu Wang at the bookstore earlier, but thankfully managed to avoid him by running away quickly, because she didn't want to put pressure on him.
Noticing Ji Qiu's downcast mood and remembering Zhou Ziqian's words, Ji Qiu began to wonder if she had fallen for him, but immediately dismissed the thought, finding it impossible and calling it nonsense. In class, Fu Qile encouraged his students to openly express their thoughts. Inspired by a female student who bravely confessed her feelings to a male classmate, Fu Qile also felt a renewed determination to confess to Ji Qiu.
Later, he saw Zhou Ziqian waiting outside Ji Qiu's workplace. Zhou Ziqian, looking preoccupied, asked Fu Qile when he had first met Ji Qiu and about Jiang Yu. They then compared who had known Ji Qiu longer, with Zhou Ziqian claiming primary school and Fu Qile saying high school. Zhou Ziqian asked about Ji Qiu's high school days, curious about her personality.
Fu Qile described Ji Qiu as a bright student who often bent the rules, beloved by teachers despite her rebellious streak, even once leading half the class to skip an event. Fu Qile shared that before Ji Qiu, he was an "extra" in his class, always alone without a deskmate. Ji Qiu's arrival, along with Rongrong's later, filled that void, making him feel lucky.
The two rivals conceded that if the other were to give up pursuing Ji Qiu, they might actually be friends. Fu Qile then observed that confessing required immense courage, which silenced Zhou Ziqian. Later that evening, Fu Qile, still grappling with his own feelings for Ji Qiu, sought advice from his sister, Fu Tian.
Fu Tian couldn't predict Ji Qiu's reaction, but encouraged him to follow his heart and confess if he truly loved her, advising him not to live with regrets. Ji Qiu went on a date with Jiang Yu. They reminisced about their college days, where Ji Qiu admitted her debate speeches were often spontaneous. Jiang Yu took her to the restaurant where their club had its first gathering, a place Ji Qiu barely remembered.
He recounted how, on that memorable night, a junior had mistakenly drunk fruit wine as juice and gotten drunk, a story Ji Qiu soon realized was about her. Despite the pleasant conversation, Ji Qiu found herself repeatedly bringing up Zhou Ziqian, even remarking on his inconsiderate habit of having her peel shrimp for him. Jiang Yu noticed her distraction and concluded that she had feelings for someone else.
He then informed her that he wouldn't be staying in Jiangyi for long due to work commitments and might not return for a considerable time. Ji Qiu offered to treat him to dinner if he ever returned, and he agreed before leaving. Reflecting on Jiang Yu's observation, Ji Qiu wondered if she truly did like someone, a thought she struggled to accept. Back at work, Ji Qiu learned from her colleagues about Zhou Ziqian's actions during a recent program.
They explained that Zhou Ziqian, upon hearing that the losing guest's director would be punished, had suddenly found the strength to perform over 30 push-ups in 30 seconds, securing a win and sparing Ji Qiu from a penalty. Ji Qiu recalled Zhou Ziqian complaining of arm pain after the incident, realizing it wasn't an act.
She chastised her colleagues for overworking a shooting athlete, but they assured her it was a normal amount of exercise for him, teasing her for her sudden concern. Her colleagues then handed her gifts for Zhou Ziqian and Fu Qile, asking her to deliver them. That evening, Ji Qiu called Zhou Ziqian, ostensibly to arrange a time for him to pick up his gift and to talk.
Zhou Ziqian, however, was more interested in how her date with Jiang Yu had gone. Ji Qiu, trying to mask her true feelings, lied and said it went well, which only made Zhou Ziqian more despondent. Meanwhile, Fu Qile went to a flower shop to buy tulips, Ji Qiu's favorite, intending to confess his love. The florist suggested roses, but Fu Qile insisted on tulips, stating that Ji Qiu's preference was paramount.
He revealed they had known each other for almost ten years, since high school. At the same time, Zhou Ziqian was at the shooting range, unable to focus on his training, his mind consumed by thoughts of Ji Qiu. His dejection was noticed by Cheng Jia. Cheng Jia approached Zhou Ziqian, jokingly asking if he had been rejected. Upon learning he hadn't even confessed, she expressed disappointment, scoffing that he was less courageous than a girl.
Zhou Ziqian admitted he had been contemplating whether he could bear to see Ji Qiu with someone else, holding hands and sharing life's adventures. Cheng Jia, admiring his competitive spirit on the field, urged him to channel that same determination into his confession. She warned him not to be outmaneuvered, adding mischievously that if he succeeded, he shouldn't tell her, but if he failed, she'd be happy to hear about it.
Unaware of Ji Qiu's growing feelings, Fu Qile stood outside her workplace, rehearsing his heartfelt confession with a bouquet of tulips hidden behind his back. He recalled Ji Qiu's wisdom from their school days and her unique ability to stand out, which had drawn his eyes to her among countless others. Just as he was about to articulate his love, Ji Qiu appeared.
Fu Qile quickly hid the flowers as Ji Qiu, visibly distressed, confessed to him that she believed she had fallen in love with Zhou Ziqian. She described how his every expression lingered in her mind, how she longed to talk to him, joke with him, and stargaze together. She admitted her inexperience with confessions and her fear that Zhou Ziqian might not reciprocate her feelings, seeking Fu Qile's advice.
Fu Qile, masking his heartbreak, encouraged her to follow her heart, reminding her of her unwavering confidence and the importance of acting on one's feelings. He then made an excuse that the tulips were for someone else. Ji Qiu gave him the program gift for him, and as she hurried off to meet Zhou Ziqian, Fu Qile, with a heavy heart, wished her happiness and all the best.
Before their agreed meeting time, Zhou Ziqian frantically called Ji Qiu, who was still at the TV tower, declaring he was downstairs and desperately needed to see her. When Ji Qiu found him, he hugged her tightly, breathless and exhausted. He explained that he had dreamt of her and woke up with an overwhelming desire to see her.
He recounted their shared history: the childhood sorrow of separation at age eleven, his fervent wish to see her upon returning to the country, their "accidental" reunion at the shooting range where he found her endearing, and his subsequent desire to tease her. He reminisced about the moment at the amusement park when she finally recognized his name, the joy he felt when she invited him to the variety show, and his racing heart during a moment of accidental intimacy.
He spoke of sleepless nights near her in Qiuye Town, how his world began to revolve around her, how his attention was solely on her even in crowded places like the skating rink, and how every star, every streetlamp, reminded him of her. He confessed that when darkness fell and he closed his eyes, all he saw was her.
He admitted that when she asked him if she should go on a date with Jiang Yu, he internally screamed "no," but his lips uttered a false "good luck." He spoke of how people often say the opposite of what they mean, how "good" becomes "fine," how well-organized thoughts are preceded by a casual "by the way," and how "missing someone" turns into "wanting to meet."
He then turned the question to Ji Qiu, asking what "dreaming of you" meant to her, implying his true feelings. He recalled a childhood confession at six years old to a neighbor's sister, which led to years of teasing. Now, he wanted to ask again, counting to three for her answer. Before he could finish counting, Ji Qiu leaned in and kissed him. Zhou Ziqian, stunned, claimed she didn't mean it, to which Ji Qiu playfully corrected him, "I did it on purpose."
