Meteor Garden 2018 Episode 26 Recap
> Meteor Garden 2018 Recap
Daoming Feng unexpectedly returned home, causing Shancai to quickly pack her belongings to leave the Daoming residence. However, she still ran into Daoming Feng at the entrance. Frightened, Shancai hid under a table, but her phone's ringing drew Daoming Feng's attention. Daoming Feng slowly approached Shancai, her expression growing increasingly stern. Shancai nervously stood before her as Daoming Feng questioned Ms. Yu about her presence.
Ms. Yu truthfully praised Shancai, stating that she was hardworking and diligent, never slacking off, and perfectly capable of the job. She insisted that Shancai stay. Shancai, not wanting Ms. Yu to clash with Daoming Feng on her behalf, tried to leave, but Ms. Yu stopped her. Ms. Yu fervently argued that since Shancai's arrival, Daoming Si's temper had improved, and he had become more studious.
Having raised both Daoming Zhuang and Daoming Si, Ms. Yu revealed that she had witnessed Daoming Feng destroy Daoming Zhuang's happiness once, and she vowed not to let her ruin Daoming Si's life this time. She strongly desired Shancai to remain in the household. Daoming Feng, asserting her role as the mistress of the house, attempted to dismiss Ms. Yu's pleas, declaring that she would never allow a woman of such low status to date her son.
Ms. Yu countered by invoking Daoming Si’s late grandfather's dying wish, which entrusted the care of the family to her as long as she lived. She defiantly stated that if Daoming Feng insisted on expelling Shancai, she would have to collect Ms. Yu's body first. Moved by Ms. Yu’s unwavering support, Shancai cried, admitting she had initially perceived Ms. Yu as a strict and heartless old lady but was now incredibly grateful for her kindness.
Ms. Yu then shared her life story: she was rescued by Daoming Si's grandfather at the age of nineteen, burdened by debt, and had dedicated her life to the Daoming family ever since. She recounted how Daoming Si's father, a brilliant and dedicated man, had passed away prematurely from liver cancer due to overwork when Daoming Si was in middle school. After his death, Daoming Feng took over the Daoming Group, and the once lively home grew desolate.
Daoming Si became rebellious and often came home with injuries from fights. Despite her worries, Daoming Feng was too busy with work to properly guide him. Ms. Yu gratefully noted that Shancai's presence had transformed Daoming Si, making him happier and more approachable.
Emphasizing Shancai's indispensable role, Ms. Yu vowed to protect her with her life and then unveiled an outrageous plan: a "get pregnant and then get married" scheme, or as she put it, "act first and report later, cook the rice before anyone can stop you." Shancai was utterly bewildered and tried to escape, but Ms. Yu threatened her with consequences if she left.
Meanwhile, Daoming Si, who was staying at Huaze Lei's house, called Ms. Yu, anxious about Shancai and his mother's return. Ms. Yu assured him that Shancai was safe in her room and strongly advised him not to come back, stating he would only complicate matters further. She abruptly hung up, leaving Daoming Si frustrated and restless.
His constant fidgeting prevented Huaze Lei from sleeping, and they spent a long night arguing over a comfortable sleeping position on the same bed, much to Lei's annoyance. The next morning, Shancai was still grappling with Ms. Yu's bizarre scheme. At school, she was approached by Li Zhen and Chen Qinghe, who inquired about her well-being. Chen Qinghe expressed concern that Shancai wasn't happy with Daoming Si, leading to an argument with Li Zhen.
Just then, Daoming Si arrived and intervened, pulling Shancai away. He took her to Rabbit's Nest, her favorite dessert shop, to cheer her up. Although Shancai enjoyed the cakes, she deflected Daoming Si's questions about what happened the previous night, determined not to reveal the humiliation from his mother or Ms. Yu's audacious plan, fearing it would only lead to more problems.
Daoming Si, sensing her distress, proposed moving out of his family home, believing it was the only way to truly protect her, despite the many challenges of living independently. Shancai tried to dissuade him by pointing out his inexperience with mundane tasks like managing utilities or cooking, but Daoming Si was resolute, arguing he couldn't protect her while living under his mother's roof.
To distract him from his impulsive decision to leave home and seek a real estate agent immediately, Shancai took him to a mall arcade. Daoming Si, with his childish temperament, momentarily forgot his worries, and they had a fun time playing games. Shancai noted how long Daoming Si had been repressing his emotions. Later, as they walked and talked, Shancai found herself increasingly drawn to Daoming Si, realizing her growing affection despite his feigned indifference.
Daoming Si reiterated his desire to move out to shield her from further harm. However, Shancai firmly declined, explaining that she didn't want to become overly reliant on him and was capable of standing on her own. Seeing his worried expression, Shancai impulsively pulled his tie and kissed him, a spontaneous expression of her feelings. Daoming Si was utterly stunned, remaining speechless for a long moment, replaying the kiss in his mind even after they returned to school.
Back at school, Daoming Si wore an uncontrollable, dreamy smile, much like Meizuo, who was also smitten after falling for Zhou Caina. Ximen and Huaze Lei exchanged puzzled glances, wondering why their friends had suddenly become so "foolish." Daoming Si, with newfound seriousness, advised them to stop fooling around and find serious love, declaring that day the happiest of his life. Unbeknownst to them, Daoming Feng had already begun to move against Shancai by targeting those around her.
Daoming Zhuang warned Daoming Si that their mother would attack his friends to weaken his resolve. Her warning proved true when Shancai's friend, Chen Qinghe, suddenly faced legal issues with his father's company due to a contract flaw. In a confrontation with her son, Daoming Feng reaffirmed her refusal to allow Shancai to marry into the family, either in this lifetime or the next, before giving instructions for guests to be welcomed, signaling further plans were in motion. Shancai, who had just found the courage to embrace her relationship with Daoming Si, felt as though she was now being pushed down a contradictory path.
