Meeting You Episode 23 Recap
> Meeting You Recap
On a sweet, ordinary day, Xia Rui made herself a glass of ginger cola. Nan Xi, immediately concerned she had a fever, insisted on drinking it with her as a show of solidarity, despite her reassurances that she was just trying to boost her low resistance. After brewing a second glass for himself, Nan Xi's comical reaction to the unique taste amused Xia Rui, who playfully urged him to take another sip. Zhao Yishu performed poorly during her end-of-semester rehearsal.
Her senior director critiqued her inability to produce tears of resentment for a role about unrequited love, a scene that was meant to be a climax. Zhao Yishu argued that she interpreted the character's feelings not as resentment, but as silent devotion and waiting. Later, Cheng Erluo approached her, apologizing for his past immaturity.
After they both apologized for their roles in their recent conflict, he enthusiastically announced his return as her "bodyguard," eager for others to see they had reconciled. At Yami Cafe, Xia Rui was worrying about her upcoming competition when the others arrived. Si Bo also appeared but tried to leave abruptly. Cheng Erluo, however, stopped him, eager to ask about a sports video. The awkward avoidance between Si Bo and Zhao Yishu was apparent to everyone.
Though Cheng Erluo even pointed it out, he remained completely oblivious to the underlying reason and his own feelings, instead gushing to Zhao Yishu about how much he admired Si Bo. Feeling that the situation was untenable, Nan Xi unusually intervened, encouraging Zhao Yishu to confess her feelings to Cheng Erluo. He used drinks as a metaphor, explaining that human emotions encompass various tastes that both parties must experience and understand.
Though Zhao Yishu felt it would be awkward, Nan Xi stressed that with a third party like Si Bo involved, she couldn't just let things be, especially since Cheng Erluo was too insensitive to figure it out himself. Zhao Yishu finally agreed to tell Cheng Erluo the truth after her end-of-semester report. The much-anticipated coffee machine, a reward for Xia Rui's past efforts, arrived.
She immediately declared that both she and Nan Xi would be "guinea pigs," testing new recipes together. She presented Nan Xi with various concoctions, explaining her methods, but Nan Xi struggled to taste the promised flavors and was overwhelmed by the sheer number of samples. Their tasting session culminated in a sleepless night of constant trips to the bathroom, leaving them both exhausted. As the coffee competition approached, Xia Rui perfected her recipes but felt her latte art lacked originality.
Boss Yi's advice that "the highest level of latte art is originality" resonated deeply with her. To help, Nan Xi guided her hand as she sketched designs, focusing on the "Baby Whale" pattern that held special meaning for them. He meticulously taught her how to make the design more intricate and less monotonous, bringing them even closer. Nan Xi's final exam and Xia Rui's coffee competition unfortunately fell on the same day.
After exchanging heartfelt encouragement, Xia Rui began the preliminary round. She performed admirably, earning an approving smile from Boss Yi, and it was soon announced that she had successfully entered the rematch along with four other contestants. However, the rematch was scheduled to start in just three hours, and an unprepared Xia Rui grew nervous.
Boss Yi advised her to clear her mind and think only of the person she loved most, assuring her that coffee made with such an intention would be the best. Meanwhile, after receiving a message from Xia Rui, Nan Xi rushed through his exam, submitting his paper half an hour early without checking it, and raced to the competition venue. He arrived just as Xia Rui was finishing her "Baby Whale" latte art, skillfully adding ocean waves around the design.
Xia Rui and Nan Xi nervously held hands awaiting the results but learned they had not qualified for the finals. Unfazed, Xia Rui felt that even reaching the rematch was an unexpected surprise. She consoled a visibly disappointed Nan Xi, assuring him that the coffee she made that day, despite not winning, was the best she had ever tasted. While Nan Xi was in the restroom, an Italian judge, Mr. Umberto, approached Xia Rui.
He expressed profound admiration for her talent and unique understanding of coffee, extending an invitation for her to study professionally in Italy. Xia Rui respectfully declined, explaining that she and Nan Xi had fought hard for her to remain in China after high school, and accepting the offer would invalidate their past struggles. Mr. Umberto understood her devotion to people more important than dreams and left his card in case she changed her mind. Unbeknownst to Xia Rui, Nan Xi had returned just in time to overhear their entire conversation.
