Memory of Encaustic Tile Episode 33 Recap
> Memory of Encaustic Tile Recap
After hearing Lin Shiyin explain the real reason behind Zheng Sunian and Shao Xue's breakup, Shao Xue felt that Zheng Sunian was living a stable life and she was unsure if he still loved her. She stated that Sunian didn't want her to pass on another great opportunity because of him, which was why he decided to break up with her and was very upset about it. He only attended blind dates because he didn't want to upset his dad.
Shao Xue acknowledged that while he proposed the breakup, it was her decision to leave. She further added that they never spoke once she was abroad, and her return was also of her own volition. She didn't want to intrude on his life, especially since he might not love her anymore.
Lin Shiyin insisted that Shao Xue should ask Zheng Sunian directly to find out if he still loved her, but Shao Xue firmly told her not to worry about them. Lin Shiyin then left for a business trip, urging Shao Xue to take care of herself for the next few days and think about Zheng Sunian. Meanwhile, Zhang Qi called Zheng Sunian, informing him that Shao Xue had returned to China and was in a difficult situation.
He explained that a man named Mo Hai had swindled money from her company, causing her visa application to be put on hold and her bank account to be frozen, forcing her to be the scapegoat. Zheng Sunian was furious upon hearing this. Zhang Qi then revealed the worst: Shao Xue had fainted from anxiety and was diagnosed with an illness requiring surgery. He described her as pale with weak breathing when he saw her.
Zheng Sunian immediately demanded her address and rushed to her location. Upon arriving at Shao Xue’s place, Zheng Sunian found her on the phone with her parents. He immediately pressed her about her surgery and sickness, visibly heartbroken by her state. Unbeknownst to Shao Xue, her parents, Yu Dongge and Shao Hua, as well as Zheng Jian, overheard their conversation, learning about Shao Xue's return and her serious illness, which greatly distressed them.
Zheng Sunian chastised Shao Xue for hiding her return and condition from her parents, reminding her that he was her Sunian and would care for her. Shao Xue tearfully confessed her loneliness and struggles while living abroad, describing how she had to cook, watch movies, shop, and even go to the doctor all by herself. Zheng Sunian hugged her tightly, promising never to let her be alone again.
He explained that he had let her go years ago because she wanted to explore the world, but now that she had seen and experienced it, he would never let go of her hand again. Shao Xue confessed how much she missed him every day she was abroad and hoped he would always be by her side.
After their emotional reconciliation and a kiss, Shao Xue playfully questioned why he kissed her, to which Zheng Sunian replied that she had kissed him first. At this point, Yu Dongge, who had been listening in, erupted, demanding Shao Xue pick up the phone and explain everything, including her sickness and what she had done with Sunian. Zheng Jian, however, was pleased to overhear their conversation and offered his rental property for them to use as their new marital home.
Zheng Sunian quickly took the phone, assured them he would handle it, and hung up. Shao Xue, embarrassed, tried to get Zheng Sunian to leave, but as she pushed him out, the door accidentally locked, leaving her no choice but to stay with him. The next day, Zheng Sunian was relieved to find Shao Xue making breakfast, after a brief moment of panic that she might have left again.
Later, Bai Yunsheng arrived to invite Zheng Sunian for a drink, but Zheng Sunian, now happily reunited with Shao Xue, awkwardly sent him away, confirming that Shao Xue was finally back. Bai Yunsheng was thrilled for his friend, celebrating that Zheng Sunian had finally reunited with the girl he loved. After Zheng Sunian cooked a lavish meal for Shao Xue, she teased him about whether he had cooked for other women while she was away.
He denied it, affirming he had waited for her all these years. Shao Xue was deeply moved, giving him a heartfelt kiss. Zheng Sunian also received a call from Lin Shiyin, who playfully inquired if he was sleeping alone or with someone. Lin Shiyin mentioned her clothes were still at Zheng Sunian's place and asked when he would return them. Meanwhile, Yu Dongge and Shao Hua were frustrated by their children's lack of communication.
Yu Dongge complained about Sunian not returning her calls, but Shao Hua reminded her that after a long-awaited reunion, it was only natural for the young couple to be absorbed in their happiness. Zheng Sunian took Shao Xue shopping, insisting on buying everything she looked good in. Shao Xue, accustomed to being frugal during her time abroad, was overwhelmed by his spending and made him return most of the items, reminding him they needed to plan for their future finances.
They later visited the Forbidden City, where Shao Xue, reflecting on her journey, told Zheng Sunian that she had decided not to go abroad again and wanted to stay by his side forever. She said her wish had come true, and she wouldn't leave no matter what, even if he tried to shoo her away. Returning home, they faced an unhappy Yu Dongge, who scolded Shao Xue for not coming home for five days since her return.
Shao Xue tried to explain that she had immediately found a decent job with insurance and good pay, and wanted to settle down before returning to make her mother proud. Yu Dongge was not appeased, demanding Shao Xue move back that very day. Zheng Sunian intervened, proposing that he and Shao Xue should formalize their relationship first before discussing living arrangements.
This suggestion instantly delighted Yu Dongge, who, with Zheng Jian, immediately began making elaborate plans for their wedding, discussing dates, hotel bookings, wedding dresses, photos, and invitations. Shao Xue soon had to leave for Suzhou for a training program. She discreetly asked Shao Hua to inform her mother about the trip, which resulted in Shao Hua being vehemently scolded by Yu Dongge for letting Shao Xue leave again after just returning.
Zheng Sunian was visibly reluctant to see Shao Xue leave, clinging to the car door. After she departed, he immediately called her, urging her to miss him every day. In Suzhou, Shao Xue met Ms. Kang, who expressed how happy she was for Shao Xue and Zheng Sunian. Ms. Kang praised Zheng Sunian, noting his unwavering devotion and single-minded love for Shao Xue, comparing him to his father.
She assured Shao Xue that their relationship, built on such pure and persistent love, would bring them immense happiness. Upon Shao Xue’s return from Suzhou, Zheng Sunian met her at the airport. On their way home, Shao Xue surprised him by pulling out a wire ring and proposing to him. Just as she did, Zheng Sunian revealed his own elaborate surprise proposal, planned with Lin Shiyin and Zhang Qi.
A long scroll of paintings depicting their shared life from childhood to the present and future was unfurled on a courtyard wall. Deeply touched by this gesture, Shao Xue accepted his proposal. Excited, they returned home to share their joyful news, only to find the elders gathered together with sorrowful expressions. They learned that their beloved hutong neighborhood was slated for demolition. The news saddened everyone, especially Yu Dongge, who was deeply nostalgic about their home and neighbors.
Many neighbors were already busy moving out, but Yu Dongge, due to her profound emotional attachment, refused to leave, declaring she would stay until the very last day to bid farewell to the hutong. Shao Xue expressed concern, jokingly asking if her mother intended to become a holdout, to which Shao Hua confirmed her mother’s strong emotional attachment to the place.
