Meeting You Episode 24 Recap
> Meeting You Recap
Upon returning home after a competition, Xia Rui prepared a feast, but Nan Xi's attention was drawn to her scalded hand. Pained by her injury, Nan Xi gently yet firmly declared that he would take over the cooking from now on, forbidding her from the kitchen.
At Yami Cafe, Xia Rui's competition coffee, "Little Whale," was launched as a new product, serving as another opportunity for Nan Xi and Xia Rui to display their affection, much to the exasperation of Cheng Erluo and Liu Bin. During this time, Xia Rui's friends expressed concern about her decision to give up the opportunity to study in Italy. Xia Rui explained that she was staying to help Yami shine.
To her surprise, Nan Xi then revealed that he had already registered her for language classes at Mr. Umberto's training school. Although Xia Rui initially resisted, Nan Xi proposed they go to Italy together. Determined to ensure their future together, Nan Xi later sought out Professor Gu to confirm that the first-place winner of the upcoming College Student's Design Competition for architecture would receive an exchange student opportunity in Milan.
Despite his usual aversion to competitions, Nan Xi declared his intention to participate, stating that he would do it to be with Xia Rui. Cheng Erluo finished his basketball training and received a dinner invitation from Zhao Yishu. He was excited, believing it would be a casual group meal, and even encouraged Si Bo to join them, hoping it might ease any tension between Si Bo and Zhao Yishu.
However, upon reaching the restaurant, Si Bo immediately noticed Zhao Yishu sitting alone, evidently nervous and expectant. Recognizing the romantic significance of the chosen venue, Si Bo excused himself, telling Cheng Erluo that he hoped he would become a better version of himself. Cheng Erluo, oblivious to Si Bo's true intention, felt deeply moved by his words. At the table, Zhao Yishu explained that Nan Xi and Xia Rui couldn't make it.
Cheng Erluo, still focused on Si Bo's encouraging words, enthusiastically recounted how Si Bo had inspired him. Zhao Yishu grew increasingly anxious, struggling to express her true feelings. As she attempted to confess, Cheng Erluo repeatedly emphasized their "friendship," using terms like "best friends," "buddies," and "bestie." This made Zhao Yishu unable to voice her confession, and she eventually gave up, excusing herself by saying she wasn't feeling well.
Later, Zhao Yishu visited Xia Rui, confiding that she hadn't confessed to Cheng Erluo. She admitted that her life had always been very structured by her parents and even Xia Rui's protection, making her question if her feelings for Cheng Erluo were genuine love or merely a habit formed from his constant presence since childhood. She felt the need to re-evaluate her feelings and asked Xia Rui to keep their conversation confidential from Cheng Erluo and Nan Xi.
Nan Xi then returned home, and Zhao Yishu quickly departed. One evening, Liu Bin, after finishing work, spotted Yang Yufei walking alone. Noticing a suspicious man stealthily following her, he immediately drove after them. When the man attempted to attack Yang Yufei in a secluded alley, Liu Bin intervened just in time, subduing the assailant.
He then calmed the visibly shaken Yang Yufei, offering her his phone number and assuring her he would accompany her home whenever needed, declaring that he would always protect his friends. As Liu Bin drove her home, Yang Yufei felt a strong sense of security. She recalled that Liu Bin's past exam results were only slightly lower than Xia Rui's.
She encouraged him to consider retaking the university entrance exam, recognizing his meticulous, patient, quick-minded, righteous, and sentimental qualities, assuring him he could achieve it. Liu Bin, deeply touched by her words, promised to consider it. The upcoming architectural design competition's theme was "First Impression." Nan Xi and Xia Rui, however, interpreted the most beautiful aspect of life not as initial attraction but as the enduring understanding and companionship found after getting to know each other.
Their design concept revolved around two imperfect pieces of wood coming together to form a perfect whole, symbolizing their own relationship. They embarked on a search for suitable wood, visiting several shops without success and even getting caught trying to collect wood from trees in a park. Eventually, Uncle Wang, a helpful acquaintance, directed them to a large root carving market.
There, Nan Xi found two seemingly "rotten" pieces of wood that, despite their irregular shapes, had originated from the same tree and were root-connected, having "lived together" for approximately 360 years. Nan Xi and Xia Rui recognized these pieces as the perfect embodiment of their theme of lasting companionship.
