Make A Wish Episode 21 Recap
> Make A Wish Recap
Qin Mingming invited Xu Zihao and Chi Yan to dinner. Xu Zihao finished his work early and went to find Chi Yan at his bookstore. Xu Zihao arrived, surprising Chi Yan, and shared his belief that he and Qin Mingming were "meant to be," recounting how he had repeatedly encountered her, from her chasing a thief to her dog, Bulb, becoming his patient. Chi Yan, however, warned Xu Zihao not to lead two girls on, a statement Xu Zihao denied.
Chi Yan then confessed to Xu Zihao that he was preoccupied with a girl he had recently met, who felt both familiar and strange to him, often thinking of her upon waking or going to bed. Xu Zihao immediately realized Chi Yan was speaking of Xiao Xiu, claiming she was actively pursuing him and had gathered information about him.
Xu Zihao analyzed the women in Chi Yan's life – Qin Mingming was not his type, He Meng did not interest him, and his own sister, Xu Ziqi, was an impossible choice – concluding that Xiao Xiu was the only logical candidate and that Chi Yan should pursue her. The three later met at a brewer for dinner, where they were surprised to find Xiao Xiu working as a waitress. Chi Yan quickly turned his head to avoid her gaze.
Xiao Xiu enthusiastically greeted them and took their order, introducing herself as "Hugh Williams." She recommended the Truffle Mushroom Risotto, Tuna No.1, Beer Shrimps, and Salt and Pepper Chicken. Xu Zihao, after some playful banter with Xiao Xiu about her treating Chi Yan, ordered everything she recommended. While serving, Xiao Xiu recognized Zhang Yi at another table with a client. The client, mistaking Xiao Xiu for a fan of Zhang Yi, inappropriately touched her. Xiao Xiu reacted by slapping him.
Zhang Yi, seeing the commotion, attempted to retaliate against Xiao Xiu, but Chi Yan quickly intervened, grabbing Zhang Yi's arm and demanding he let go. The client insisted on an apology from Xiao Xiu, and the manager also pressured her to comply. Xiao Xiu refused, stating the client had initiated the physical contact. Chi Yan then offered to involve the police and review the surveillance footage, prompting Zhang Yi and his client to leave.
The manager, upset by the incident, scolded Xiao Xiu, reminding her that "guests are always right," and assigned her the task of taking out all the trash for the day. Xiao Xiu struggled with the heavy trash bags, and Chi Yan appeared, asking if she was alright and offering her a tissue. Xiao Xiu expressed concern for Chi Yan, revealing her knowledge of his past troubles with Zhang Yi and his mother.
She spoke passionately about how Zhang Yi had slandered Chi Yan, and how Chi Yan's mother had sided against him, saying she was angered by the injustice. Chi Yan was surprised by her knowledge but calmly stated that he had made peace with his past with Zhang Yi and his mother, realizing that holding onto resentment would only cause him more pain. He thanked Xiao Xiu for standing up for him.
Xiao Xiu, in turn, thanked him and suggested they forget their unhappy past and create new, happy memories together, proposing activities like going to the supermarket, walks, and dinner. She then suggested they visit the Kendo hall the following day, to which Chi Yan agreed. Xiao Xiu watched him leave, pleased with the progress of her plans. The next day at the Kendo hall, Chi Yan taught Xiao Xiu various techniques, impressed by her quick learning.
During a sparring session, Xiao Xiu stumbled and fell onto Chi Yan. He looked at her intently, a sense of deep familiarity washing over him. Soon after, Chi Yan received a phone call from his publisher, informing him that his new novel was approved for publication and requesting his immediate presence. Xiao Xiu was delighted by the news and offered to accompany him, promising to be well-behaved and not cause any disturbance. After changing, they headed to the publisher's office.
At the entrance, they encountered Zhang Yi, who mocked Chi Yan's attempts at writing and questioned how his book could be published without extensive marketing. Driven by jealousy, Zhang Yi grabbed Chi Yan's manuscript and scattered the pages across the street. Xiao Xiu immediately rushed to collect the scattered pages, expressing her dismay at seeing his hard work on the ground. Chi Yan reassured her that they could simply print another copy.
However, as Xiao Xiu continued to retrieve pages from the road, she was almost struck by a rapidly approaching car. Chi Yan instinctively pulled her to safety, a familiar scene that triggered a memory of Xiao Xiu once taking a blow for him. At that moment, Xiao Xiu felt an unusual shift and transformed back into her cat form. Chi Yan took Xiao Xiu, now a cat, home.
He gazed at the bookmark she had given him and reflected on the stories she had told, realizing that what he had thought were mere fairy tales were, in fact, real. He recalled her name, Hugh Williams, which he had given her, and her references to "Cat's Requital," his grandfather, his grandfather's wine, and their shared memory of planting grapevines, even his peanut allergy. These details solidified his understanding.
Xiao Xiu's employer at the brewer sent a voice message, urgently calling her back to work. Chi Yan, unable to communicate her situation, took the initiative to request three days of leave for her. The following day, Xiao Xiu remained in her cat form, much to Chi Yan's frustration. While she was eating canned food, the sound of her boss's voice message startled her, causing her to instantly revert to her human form.
Chi Yan smiled and asked if he had behaved similarly in the past. Xiao Xiu enthusiastically confirmed, reminiscing about how he used to buy her pretty dresses, cook for her, take her to fun places, and enjoy the sunset with her. Inspired by this, they decided to go together to watch the sunset, both feeling a sense of deep emotional connection.
As the bookstore's tenth anniversary approached, Chi Yan received news from his landlord, Uncle Han, that the building was scheduled for demolition. Chi Yan could no longer rent the space. Noticing Chi Yan's somber mood, Xiao Xiu suggested organizing a small farewell appreciation event to commemorate the bookstore and his grandfather. Chi Yan agreed, and in exchange for her help with planning, he promised to treat her to two meals.
Xiao Xiu eagerly began preparations, including ordering elegant flowers from He Meng at a discounted rate. However, she suddenly felt dizzy and asked Uncle Fu, her mentor, why she was struggling to maintain her human form. Uncle Fu explained that with the "Cat's Requital" pact fulfilled and the "cat seal" no longer present on Chi Yan, it would become increasingly difficult for her to stay in human form on Earth for extended periods.
Despite this, Xiao Xiu brushed off her dizziness. Coincidentally, the brewer where Xiao Xiu worked was also slated for demolition, along with the entire block. Xiao Xiu proposed a collaboration between Chi's Bookstore and the brewer for the appreciation event, suggesting it would benefit both in thanking loyal customers and promoting the brewer's new location. The owner approved the idea. Xiao Xiu then approached Xu Zihao, asking him to host the event, praising his ability to control a crowd.
Xu Zihao confidently accepted the role for the upcoming Thursday. As Xiao Xiu left, she witnessed Xu Zihao's current girlfriend, Lulu, arriving at the bookstore. Xu Zihao was chatting with Qin Mingming, and he looked visibly embarrassed by Lulu's appearance. Lulu proceeded to make sarcastic remarks about Qin Mingming's dog, Bulb, indirectly criticizing Qin Mingming. Qin Mingming, sensing the tension, quickly left with Bulb. Xiao Xiu, having observed the awkward scene, also departed.
At the Chi's Bookstore Appreciation Event, Chi Yan took the stage to thank everyone. Seeing a hall full of familiar faces – his loyal, long-time customers – he felt at ease. He warmly greeted several, including "Mr. Plaid-shirt," who always sat in his unique spot, and a lady who regularly bought "Jean-Paul Sartre" books, jokingly advising her and a "Albert Camus" fan nearby not to become "frenemies."
A customer asked if Chi Yan had finished reading "Ulysses," which he had been working on for over a month. Chi Yan confirmed he had, describing the satisfaction as "finishing a game." He then spoke of his grandfather establishing the bookstore ten years ago, when he was a sensitive and fragile middle schooler who sought solace in books. He credited his customers for helping him change and grow.
Chi Yan assured everyone that despite the community's demolition, Chi's Bookstore would continue to provide a quiet and comfortable space, expressing his hope that they would all remain together for the bookstore's 20th, 30th, 40th, and even 50th anniversaries. The deaf-mute customer, a regular, presented Chi Yan with flowers and a thank-you note. Xu Zihao, the host, inquired about Qin Mingming, to which Chi Yan replied she was busy but had sent a flower basket.
Xu Zihao teasingly asked if Chi Yan wanted to see her. After the event, Qin Mingming arrived, apologizing for her delay. Xiao Xiu quickly pulled Xu Zihao aside, reminding him that he had been drinking and couldn't drive, then suggested that Qin Mingming drive him home. Xu Zihao initially protested, offering to call a cab, but Xiao Xiu insisted it was too late and unsafe. Qin Mingming agreed to give him a ride.
That evening, Chi Yan was looking through the heartfelt wishes written by his customers. Xiao Xiu then produced a wish card of her own, which Chi Yan recognized, having believed he had given it to her previously. Xiao Xiu, however, clarified that she had asked for it.
