Love Through a Millennium Episode 12 Recap
> Love Through a Millennium Recap
Lin Xiangxiang, having quickly reunited with Gong Ming, arrived at the award ceremony to prevent Han Yufei from publicly announcing their relationship. Jin Jing expressed regret for having told Lin Xiangxiang about Gong Ming's appearance, as Xiangxiang subsequently went to find him. Han Yufei, searching for Lin Xiangxiang, was told by Jin Jing that Xiangxiang was merely nervous and getting some fresh air.
Upon meeting Han Yufei, Lin Xiangxiang asked him not to reveal their relationship publicly, promising to explain everything after the ceremony. Han Yufei, though puzzled, reluctantly agreed to her request. Back in the West Han Dynasty, Gong Ming, holding his jade pendant, reflected on who might wish him dead, suspecting Wang Mang. His subordinate, Zi Xiu, insisted they eliminate Gong Ming swiftly, fearing his unusual abilities.
However, Wang Mang, driven by his unrequited love for Ying Yue and his intense jealousy of Gong Ming, revealed his intricate plan: he would set a "dragnet" to trap Gong Ming, leading to his self-destruction. Wang Mang relished the thought, recalling various interactions with Ying Yue, including her composing a poem about "the far-off moonlight," and his past anger at the idea of her marrying Gong Ming due to their differing social statuses.
He vividly remembered a time he heard Gong Ming declare his intention to marry Ying Yue, recognizing her deep affection and loyalty. Upon Gong Ming's return, Ying Yue, worried for his safety, expressed relief. Gong Ming confessed that he had regained all his memories of the future, two thousand years later, and of the girl he met there. Though heartbroken, Ying Yue put on a brave face, happy that he had found the one he loves.
She then bravely suggested they call off their betrothal, emphasizing that their relationship as siblings was enough for her, despite her profound inner pain. Gong Ming questioned her sincerity. Ying Yue then raised her concern that Wang Mang, having returned Gong Ming's jade pendant, might now be aware of its secret power. Gong Ming reassured her that even if Wang Mang knew, no one would believe him, and promised to act cautiously.
Ying Yue then confirmed her decision was for his own good and that she was fine, sending him to rest, though her internal turmoil was evident as she earlier desired a formal status with him, not just to watch his back. Lin Xiangxiang met with Han Yufei away from the award ceremony party, where she attempted to break up with him. She apologized, explaining she liked Gong Ming.
Han Yufei dismissed Gong Ming as an "imaginary man," refused to accept the breakup, and left angrily. Meanwhile, Gong Ming patiently waited for Lin Xiangxiang, confessing he enjoyed simply watching her. As they walked together, Han Yufei spotted them. Lin Xiangxiang bravely introduced Gong Ming as her boyfriend, shocking Han Yufei, who struggled to comprehend Gong Ming's sudden re-appearance. Jin Jing, witnessing the scene, voiced her concern about Gong Ming being a "mental construct."
When Han Yufei tried to forcefully take Lin Xiangxiang, Gong Ming stopped him. As a crowd of onlookers gathered and began to take photos, Jin Jing quickly intervened and pulled them away from the escalating public spectacle. After being pulled away, Lin Xiangxiang tried to explain the complex situation to a disbelieving Han Yufei, who insisted Gong Ming was an imaginary figure. Lin Xiangxiang simply apologized and reiterated her desire to break up.
Gong Ming stepped in, rebuking Han Yufei for his disrespect towards Lin Xiangxiang. Han Yufei, refusing to let go of Lin Xiangxiang, prompted a physical confrontation with Gong Ming. Gong Ming asserted that Lin Xiangxiang was never truly Han Yufei's, and they were merely "returning to how things were." Han Yufei, enraged, claimed they were about to get engaged, to which Lin Xiangxiang visibly rolled her eyes.
Han Yufei insulted Gong Ming, and Gong Ming, in turn, quoted ancient proverbs, calling Han Yufei childish and comparing his age to that of his ancestors fifty generations prior. The confrontation escalated at a bar. Han Yufei challenged Gong Ming to a drinking game, where the loser must drink. Gong Ming, unfamiliar with the game but willing to participate, repeatedly lost and drank the potent alcohol, vowing to "see it through to the end."
Han Yufei continued to taunt Gong Ming, mocking his "big hands" and "large feet" and questioning his masculinity, calling him an "old-fashioned ancient person" unworthy of an artist like Lin Xiangxiang. Gong Ming retorted by implying Han Yufei was having an "illicit affair" with another woman while dating Lin Xiangxiang, which finally pushed Han Yufei to throw a punch. A brawl broke out, attracting onlookers who started filming.
Jin Jing frantically tried to control the situation as Lin Xiangxiang pulled a bleeding Gong Ming away. Despite his injury, Gong Ming revealed a newfound sense of "elated" freedom from having "thrown a punch" for the first time in anger. He reassured Lin Xiangxiang that he genuinely liked her spirited temperament. Lin Xiangxiang expressed concern for Han Yufei, to which Gong Ming admitted his own fault, acknowledging he was hypocritical.
Lin Xiangxiang forgave him, but made him promise not to leave, proposing they go somewhere together, away from the chaos. Fearing she might lose Gong Ming again, Lin Xiangxiang, after a moment of hesitation where she almost discarded his jade pendant, ultimately could not bring herself to do so. She took him to her childhood home, which Gong Ming described as "quiet, elegant, and peaceful."
Inside, she shared old family photos, including some of her "silly" childhood, which Gong Ming affectionately called "childlike innocence" and "cute," along with pictures from her drama school days, finding her outfits "strange" and "embarrassing." She poignantly explained her mother's passing and her father's absence due to business, highlighting why she treasured the empty house for its cherished memories. Gong Ming empathized, sensing her longing for her mother.
Lin Xiangxiang then recounted a childhood anecdote about running away with her piggy bank after a fight with her mother, only to realize she had nowhere to go, returning home to find her mother crying and later cooking her favorite "spicy chicken." Inspired by the memory, they decided to make spicy chicken and headed to a large supermarket, which Gong Ming found astounding.
While grocery shopping, Lin Xiangxiang playfully offered Gong Ming an apple, explaining its symbolism as "temptation" through stories like Troy's golden apple and Snow White's poisoned apple. She then handed him an orange, noting it represented "pure love," and jokingly gave him a fruit that symbolized "dullness," saying it suited him perfectly. Back home, Lin Xiangxiang, admitting her long absence from cooking, suggested Gong Ming learn to cook, explaining that modern men often cook and are popular.
Gong Ming initially noted that Han Dynasty men would never do women's chores, but expressed willingness to learn and try. As she prepared the spicy chicken, she added an excessive amount of chopped chili. During the cooking, she playfully chided Gong Ming for his bluntness, suggesting he adopt a "gentle and sweet" demeanor like modern men.
Gong Ming bravely ate the spicy chicken, initially feigning enjoyment, but later confessed it was "too spicy," although he expressed delight in learning to joke like modern people. He then expressed a heartfelt desire to stay and experience modern life with her. When he attempted to help with dishes, he reiterated that men in the Han Dynasty would never do women's chores but expressed his willingness to learn, asking Lin Xiangxiang to teach him.
She helped him put on an apron. He openly stated his wish to remain in the present and live this life with her. Concurrently, in the Han Dynasty, Wang Mang repeatedly sought an audience with Emperor Cheng but was consistently denied. The imperial attendant revealed that the Emperor was deliberately avoiding any members of the Wang family, making it clear to Wang Mang that the Emperor now regarded his powerful family with suspicion.
