Miss Crow with Mr. Lizard Episode 31 Recap
> Miss Crow with Mr. Lizard Recap
Xu Cheng Ran arrived at Gu Chuan's residence, where Gu Chuan handed over all current and future project materials for their studio, meticulously organized by date and importance. Gu Chuan explained he needed to step away for a while, revealing that his mechanical heart was becoming increasingly unstable, and he feared collapsing unexpectedly. He expressed a desire to use his remaining time to help those he loved.
Xu Cheng Ran, expressing fear at Gu Chuan’s words and comparing them to a farewell message, pressed for details on his destination. Gu Chuan then disclosed his intention to help Jiang Xiaoning fulfill her long-held wish of rebuilding her family house. When Xu Cheng Ran questioned what to tell Jiang Xiaoning, Gu Chuan simply stated he trusted Xu Cheng Ran, being the best liar he knew, to handle the explanation.
With a pat on the shoulder, Gu Chuan departed, leaving Xu Cheng Ran in charge. Sometime later, Xu Cheng Ran awoke to find Gu Chuan gone. The doorbell rang, and Jiang Xiaoning appeared, having found Gu Chuan's car missing and his calls unanswered.
Xu Cheng Ran informed her that Gu Chuan, an outstanding alumnus, had returned to their university to host an alumni works exhibition and had left him to manage the company's affairs, suggesting his absence could last for months. Despite this explanation, Jiang Xiaoning remained troubled, wondering if Gu Chuan's unannounced departure was a deliberate attempt to avoid her now that they had broken up.
As Gu Chuan began the meticulous work of marking and preparing Jiang Xiaoning’s family house for reconstruction, Jiang Xiaoning struggled with Xu Cheng Ran's presence in the office, her disappointment evident. Seeing her forlorn expression, Xu Cheng Ran felt a pang of guilt and secretly called Gu Chuan, conveying his deep worry and threatening to reveal everything to Jiang Xiaoning if Gu Chuan didn't change his course, declaring his unwavering commitment to him.
His wife, Zhao Yan, overheard part of the conversation from the bathroom. She confronted Xu Cheng Ran, demanding to know who he was speaking with. Xu Cheng Ran reluctantly admitted it was Gu Chuan but adamantly refused to disclose the details of their discussion, insisting he could not betray his friend. Frustrated by his secrecy and perceived dishonesty, Zhao Yan reminded him of his past promises and angrily ordered him to leave their home.
Gu Chuan then received a call from Chen Wenwen, who was getting married the following month. Chen Wenwen asked why he had broken up with Jiang Xiaoning. Gu Chuan vaguely stated it was due to incompatibility. Aware of Gu Chuan’s habit of making unilateral decisions, Chen Wenwen urged him to carefully consider his actions, warning that his choice to turn his back on Jiang Xiaoning could be permanent.
She expressed her sadness if he let Jiang Xiaoning go, to which Gu Chuan asserted that he was the one who felt the deepest sorrow. At the office, Jiang Xiaoning's colleagues noticed her subdued demeanor and speculated about her relationship with Gu Chuan. Jiang Xiaoning denied any special connection, insisting she was just a regular employee. Meanwhile, Xu Cheng Ran, grappling with the urge to confess to Zhao Yan, arrived at Jiang Xiaoning's family house, where renovation work was underway.
He found Gu Chuan deeply engrossed in the repairs. Gu Chuan explained he was handling the renovation personally, explicitly stating he couldn't involve company designers because he didn't want Jiang Xiaoning to discover his direct involvement. Suddenly, Gu Chuan was struck by a severe pain in his mechanical heart. Xu Cheng Ran helped him inside, where Gu Chuan, enduring the agony, urgently asked if Jiang Xiaoning had signed the will.
He stressed that she must not know its contents, as it would undermine all his efforts. Xu Cheng Ran reassured him he would keep the documents safe and deliver them soon. Later, Tang Xu arrived downstairs at Jiang Xiaoning's home, requesting to see her. He asked about her relationship with Gu Chuan, expressing a feeling of inadequacy.
Jiang Xiaoning lovingly reassured him, recalling his past protection and kindness, reiterating that she had always regarded him as her older brother and a part of her family, thereby confirming their relationship would never be romantic. Touched, Tang Xu admitted he had feared she would never speak to him again. Jiang Xiaoning invited him upstairs for dinner, despite his initial hesitation due to her aunt's fiery temper.
Inside, her aunt, initially gruff, softened, offering Tang Xu food and urging him not to dwell on "old things." She revealed that she and Grandma had been angry at Tang Xu's father for embezzling funds and implicating her brother, Jiang Guang Da, but acknowledged that Tang Xu himself was not to blame. She welcomed him to visit anytime, provided he continued to treat Jiang Xiaoning like his own sister, and warned him against standing awkwardly downstairs, which prompted neighborhood gossip.
Tang Xu became visibly emotional, grateful for her acceptance. Subsequently, Tang Zheng Cheng visited the grave of Jiang Xiaoning’s parents, Jiang Guang Da and Shen Si Lan. He offered flowers and a libation, expressing regret and shame for not having visited sooner. Jiang Xiaoning arrived and thanked him for being the first of her father's former colleagues to visit after so many years.
Tang Zheng Cheng described Jiang Guang Da as the kindest and most honest person he had ever known. Jiang Xiaoning then directly asked if he believed her father, such a kind man, could have embezzled public funds. Tang Zheng Cheng remained silent, offering no response. Back at the office, Xu Cheng Ran approached Jiang Xiaoning, feigning concern about her internship status and presenting official documents for her signature, deceptively including Gu Chuan’s will which named her as a beneficiary.
When Jiang Xiaoning inquired about Gu Chuan, Xu Cheng Ran fabricated a story: Gu Chuan had gone on vacation, seeking peace away from her, and might not return if he found a new girlfriend. Distraught by this news, Jiang Xiaoning signed the documents. Xu Cheng Ran felt a pang of guilt but rationalized that deception was necessary. He then called Gu Chuan, confirming the will was signed and assuring him he would keep it safe.
During the call, Gu Chuan thanked Xu Cheng Ran, who, with a mix of playful dismissal and underlying emotion, retorted that he was the one who had been caring for and tolerating Gu Chuan for years before abruptly ending the call. Overwhelmed, Xu Cheng Ran later sought out Zhao Yan, struggling to articulate his distress. After several beers, he finally recounted his history with Gu Chuan, starting from their university days.
He described Gu Chuan as a reclusive genius who had won numerous design awards, whom he had persistently befriended. Xu Cheng Ran revealed that Gu Chuan's distant demeanor was a result of a severe car accident that left him with a global limited-edition mechanical heart. Initially skeptical, Zhao Yan grew serious as Xu Cheng Ran explained the mechanical heart's constant pain, loud noises, daily charging requirements, and the risk of electric discharge, which forced Gu Chuan to suppress his emotions.
He disclosed that Jiang Xiaoning had known about Gu Chuan's condition and was the first person who made him feel truly human. Xu Cheng Ran then delivered the devastating truth: the mechanical heart’s research doctor had recently passed away, and without maintenance, Gu Chuan’s heart was failing, meaning he could die at any moment.
He confessed that Gu Chuan was already making funeral arrangements and had left a portion of his inheritance to Jiang Xiaoning, a testament to his profound love. Xu Cheng Ran tearfully concluded that Gu Chuan, despite his condition, had been tirelessly working day and night to renovate Jiang Xiaoning's family house, and he could only watch his best friend slowly fade away, burying his head in Zhao Yan's embrace in despair.
Despite his deteriorating condition, Gu Chuan remained dedicated to renovating Jiang Xiaoning's family house, diligently checking off completed tasks on a list. However, he was once again overcome by excruciating pain in his mechanical heart, his face contorting in agony as he collapsed.
