Love in Time Episode 21 Recap
> Love in Time Recap
After thoroughly reviewing their contract, Shen Yuechuan informed Lu Boyan that there were no loopholes, making it impossible to prevent Su Jianan's collaboration with Kang Ruicheng. Given the situation, Shen Yuechuan suggested that Lu Boyan invest in the project instead, allowing Lu's entertainment company to become a co-producer with Kang Ruicheng's Ruijin Entertainment.
Lu Boyan subsequently met with Kang Ruicheng, who, after initially stating his commitment to the agreement he had already signed with Su Jianan, eventually agreed to the co-production on the condition that Su Jianan herself consented. That evening, Lu Boyan surprised Su Jianan with a candlelight dinner. Initially, Su Jianan was impatient, preoccupied with the demanding novel adaptation. She urged him to state his business quickly, eager to return to her work.
She had been so engrossed that she had forgotten it was her birthday, a detail Lu Boyan had meticulously remembered. With a snap of his fingers, a waiter brought out a pink cake adorned with candles, spelling out "Happy Birthday, Wife." Su Jianan hastily blew out the candles and made a wish, ready to leave. Lu Boyan snapped his fingers again, and a trolley full of gifts appeared.
As Su Jianan unwrapped the beautifully tied boxes, she discovered a Barbie doll she had longed for since junior high, and a pen Lu Boyan had accidentally broken years ago, promising to replace. She realized that Lu Boyan had been preparing gifts for her every year since their separation ten years ago, anticipating their reunion and the chance to give them to her in person. Overwhelmed, she never imagined they would one day marry.
Lu Boyan then apologized for his past narrow-mindedness, admitting he had difficulty with Kang Ruicheng being around her. He revealed his decision to invest in their project, promising not to interfere with her creative decisions, but hoping to contribute as a "creative consultant" due to his deep understanding of their story. He offered her cake, and then, gently lifting her chin, he finally kissed her. The next day, a contract signing ceremony took place under the media's watchful eye.
The chief screenwriter, Su Jianan, and the two co-producers, Lu Boyan and Kang Ruicheng, formally signed the agreement, shaking hands to mark the start of their collaboration. At Taoran Literature Society, the team began intense discussions for the project. Director Guo Ze was chosen to direct, praised for his previous success with "When Time Is Stagnant."
Kang Ruicheng suggested adjusting parts of the original plot for film adaptation, citing concerns about the forensic profession's "policy risks," the need to "streamline the plot" due to movie duration, and the deletion or merging of characters irrelevant to the main storyline. Lu Boyan, however, opposed all these suggestions, asserting that with the original work and Su Jianan's involvement, no adjustments were necessary. The discussion then moved to the movie's title.
Kang Ruicheng proposed a change from "Lu Shao's Warm Marriage New Wife," arguing it sounded too much like a "web novel" and would alienate mainstream audiences. Lu Boyan again disagreed, insisting the original title was crucial for attracting book fans. Su Jianan offered an alternative title, "Contract Period to Fall in Love with You," which she felt better reflected the story's contractual marriage premise.
Lu Boyan, however, was vehemently against this new title, and Su Jianan grew increasingly frustrated with his constant opposition to Kang Ruicheng's ideas. To resolve the dispute, Su Jianan decided to consult the readers. While one individual, identified as "Otertian," strongly rejected the name change, the majority of book fans accepted the new title, finding it to possess a more "advanced sense." Consequently, the movie was officially retitled "Contract Period to Fall in Love with You."
With the male roles mostly cast, the team shifted its focus to selecting the female lead and other female roles. Separately, Han Ruoxi approached Kang Ruicheng, expressing her strong desire to join the project. She clarified that she wasn't seeking the female lead role but instead wished to challenge herself by portraying the villain, a stark contrast to the positive characters she typically played. Kang Ruicheng agreed to recommend her.
Later, during a discussion about the female lead, Lu Boyan suggested Han Ruoxi for the part, unaware of her preference. Kang Ruicheng corrected him, explaining Han Ruoxi's interest in the villain role. Su Jianan confirmed Han Ruoxi's sincerity, and they agreed she was perfectly suited for the antagonist. After Han Ruoxi left, Lu Boyan then suggested Luo Xiaoxi for the female lead. Su Jianan, clearly irritated, pulled Lu Boyan aside.
He defended his choice, highlighting Luo Xiaoxi's temperament, image, and recent progress, and emphasizing their friendship. Su Jianan countered that the decision should be based on suitability and acting ability, not personal connections. She pointed out that Luo Xiaoxi's acting was not yet on par with Han Ruoxi's, who had wisely chosen a role that suited her.
Su Jianan accused Lu Boyan of "fooling around" and insisted she had a responsibility to her film, stating she would not continue if he forced Luo Xiaoxi into the role. Unbeknownst to them, Luo Xiaoxi arrived at the Literature Society during their heated exchange and overheard Su Jianan's cutting remarks about her suitability. Devastated, Luo Xiaoxi immediately left and later sought comfort from Jiang Shaokai, weeping in his arms.
She confided that she had worked tirelessly, not wanting to disappoint Su Jianan, and was heartbroken that her best friend viewed her involvement as "nonsense." Jiang Shaokai comforted her, promising to talk to Su Jianan the next day. That evening, Su Jianan, emotionally exhausted, told Lu Boyan she was too tired to discuss anything, postponing their conversation until the following night. The complexity of adapting a long novel into a ninety-minute film weighed heavily on Su Jianan.
To make matters worse, the product placement list Jiang Shaokai had secured was filled with entirely inappropriate items like "Shenbao," a "dating application," and "Vodka Lost Wine," completely clashing with the sweet tone of the narrative. When Jiang Shaokai came to discuss the list, Su Jianan confronted him, exasperated. Jiang Shaokai, however, criticized her in turn, accusing her of changing and losing sight of their friendship, particularly regarding Luo Xiaoxi.
He expressed his frustration with her apparent disregard for his efforts in securing sponsorships and declared he was withdrawing from the project, severing their ties. The strained encounter left Su Jianan even more disheartened. Later, Kang Ruicheng found Su Jianan looking troubled and offered words of encouragement, emphasizing the resilience needed when pursuing one's dreams. He offered to take her out for supper, but Su Jianan declined, explaining Lu Boyan was waiting for her at home.
Kang Ruicheng then drove her back. Meanwhile, Lu Boyan, who had prepared a large dinner at home, sought advice from Xu Bo on how to reconcile with Su Jianan. As he stood waiting, he watched from his window as Kang Ruicheng's car dropped Su Jianan off at her doorstep.
