Make My Heart Smile Episode 23 Recap
> Make My Heart Smile Recap
Xia Yuanqing confronted Ye Weimian, addressing her by her true name, and denied being the one who brought trouble to Gu Yanluo. She then challenged Ye Weimian to choose between the future of her and her twin sister, and Gu Yanluo's reputation. Gu Yanluo appeared, asserting that he would make the choice himself, declaring that Ye Weimian's concerns were his own.
Xia Yuanqing challenged Gu Yanluo, questioning if it was worth risking all his pride, honor, and even his future for Ye Weimian. Gu Yanluo replied that many things are not about being worth it, but about being willing, and vowed that they would face whatever came their way together. Xia Yuanqing continued to criticize Ye Weimian, claiming that since Ye Weimian’s arrival, Gu Yanluo, who was once seen as perfect and unreachable, had been criticized, burdened, and condemned.
Gu Yanluo defended Ye Weimian, leading Xia Yuanqing to reveal that her animosity toward Ye Weimian stemmed from her own affection for him, insisting she never intended to harm him. Gu Yanluo firmly told her that hurting Ye Weimian was hurting him. Distraught, Xia Yuanqing dropped the envelope she was holding, heartbroken that her feelings for him were so insignificant compared to his devotion to Ye Weimian. Crying, she ran off.
Fang Meimei, unseen, recorded Gu Yanluo and Ye Weimian’s subsequent conversation. During the forum's live broadcast, Lu Yao filled in for Ye Weimian, a last-minute change that prevented the twin sisters from appearing together. Ye Weimian thanked Lu Yao for stepping in, and Lu Yao revealed that Gu Yanluo had made the arrangement, concerned that their joint appearance would lead to campus gossip and unearth past secrets.
Gu Yanluo, known for his rigor, had made the arrangement as soon as he saw the participant list. Lu Yao jokingly asked if Gu Yanluo would get extra points for his "boyfriend probation." Ye Zhenhan, meanwhile, remained uneasy, revealing to Ye Weimian that Xia Yuanqing had discovered their secret. Later, Gu Yanluo led Ye Weimian to a room filled with unique self-created artworks. Ye Weimian marveled at the pieces, noting that true masters often reside among ordinary people.
Inspired, they decided to create something together. Ye Weimian became deeply focused on drawing designs for their new main series, which was due soon. She humorously told Lu Yao that if she couldn't finish the line art in time, Lu Yao could use her "poor drawing skills" to color the images.
Lu Yao found this odd, but Ye Weimian explained that since they both were in relationships, Lu Yao shouldn't always be busy with public displays of affection while Ye Weimian was busy with work. She suggested that after this series, Lu Yao could take the lead on the next, perhaps creating a sweet series featuring Lu Yao and Mu Ze.
Ye Weimian also advised Lu Yao to collaborate with Mu Ze on future promotions, given his quick thinking, adding that she herself had something very important to complete personally. Ye Zhenhan informed Yan Jiuyue of her decision to give up her exchange student quota. She felt responsible for the difficulties Ye Weimian was facing in her blossoming career and relationship because of her.
Ye Zhenhan reflected on how Ye Weimian had always sacrificed for her since childhood and now wanted to make a sacrifice for her sister. Yan Jiuyue fully supported her decision, encouraging her to do whatever she truly desired. Ye Zhenhan then went to Mr. Ma to confess the truth about her identity and the past impersonation. Mr. Ma was astonished by their identical appearance.
Just then, the Headmaster called, instructing Mr. Ma to come to his office, and Ye Zhenhan accompanied him. Separately, Zuo Sichen prepared to leave the country, having secured his flight tickets, and planned to say goodbye to a friend before his departure. At the Headmaster's Office, the Headmaster informed Ye Weimian and Ye Zhenhan that he had received an anonymous report letter and a USB drive containing evidence against them.
Ye Weimian immediately took full responsibility, admitting that she had pretended to be her sister in the Finance Department and had even instigated Gu Yanluo to alter the student list, insisting that both Ye Zhenhan and Gu Yanluo were innocent. Ye Zhenhan, in turn, tried to take the blame, explaining that she had been in a coma months earlier and her sister had only acted to prevent her from losing the exchange student quota.
She reiterated that the problem began with her. The Headmaster, however, stated that the school would thoroughly investigate and determine responsibility, vowing not to wrongly accuse any student while also not overlooking any violations of school rules. Soon after, Gu Yanluo arrived with others. The Headmaster dismissed everyone except Gu Yanluo, severely reprimanding him for his actions as the Students' Union president and an excellent cadre, accusing him of knowing about the deception and allowing it to continue.
Gu Yanluo apologized for his wrongdoing, explaining that he understood the sisters' difficult circumstances and was moved by their loyalty to each other. He offered to resign from his position and accept any punishment. The Headmaster expressed his deep disappointment, questioning why Gu Yanluo would deliberately jeopardize his promising future for Ye Weimian, suggesting she had clouded his judgment.
Gu Yanluo apologized again but pleaded with the Headmaster to show leniency to the sisters during the investigation, considering their unusual circumstances and Ye Zhenhan's attempt to rectify the situation after regaining consciousness. The Headmaster assured him the school would handle it appropriately but also advised Gu Yanluo to reflect on how a good relationship should ideally make individuals better versions of themselves.
Xia Yuanqing's harsh words replayed in Ye Weimian's mind: Gu Yanluo, once beyond reproach, was now criticized and encumbered because of her. Feeling she was becoming Gu Yanluo’s weakness, Ye Weimian suggested they separate for a while to cool down, asking him not to interfere in her affairs anymore, as she could handle things herself. Gu Yanluo vehemently disagreed with the idea of separation and tried to stop her, but Ye Weimian pulled away and left.
Gu Yanluo searched for her, looking at her drawings and reminiscing about their moments together. At the same time, Zuo Sichen, looking for Ye Weimian, was confronted by Gu Yanluo, who urged him to think about what Ye Weimian truly needed rather than solely focusing on his own feelings. Ye Weimian went to the school broadcast room. Gu Yanluo, unable to reach her, listened as she publicly confessed her mistakes.
Over the school broadcast, Ye Weimian, a student from the Fashion Department of the Art College, admitted that she had impersonated her twin sister, Ye Zhenhan, a third-year student in the Finance Department, after Ye Zhenhan fell into a coma, all to preserve her sister's exchange student quota. She apologized to all the teachers and students she had deceived and declared her willingness to withdraw from school and bear full responsibility.
However, she earnestly pleaded for the school to show leniency to her sister, Ye Zhenhan, and Gu Yanluo, asserting that they should not be penalized for her impulsive decision. Student reactions varied; some sympathized with her act of sisterly devotion, while others emphasized that she had still violated school rules. Amidst the varied reactions, a student coldly remarked that Ye Weimian was now a "loser" and doubted if she could "fly" after leaving both the university and Gu Yanluo.
Ye Weimian was packing her belongings when Gu Yanluo arrived, trying to stop her from leaving. Ye Weimian, determined not to be his burden, repeated that she didn't want to drag him down and formally broke up with him, stating that while a relationship requires two people, a breakup only requires one. She claimed she was already at rock bottom and preferred to face her struggles alone, encouraging him to find a better partner.
Gu Yanluo adamantly refused to accept the breakup or her decision to drop out. Subsequently, Gu Yanluo and Yan Jiuyue were given an unexpected task by a teacher: to update a directory of two thousand alumni from the Finance Department. Yan Jiuyue attempted to pass the responsibility to Gu Yanluo, but the teacher insisted they both take it on.
