Moonshine and Valentine Episode 20 Recap
> Moonshine and Valentine Recap
Pipi met with Tian Xin, revealing that she had broken up with Jialin. Pipi explained that after moving to America, she realized she was constantly consumed by jealousy and suspicion, stemming from her and Jialin's past betrayal of Tian Xin. She felt that Jialin was still fixated on Tian Xin, leading to frequent arguments and a difficult relationship. Pipi confessed that she believed the love between her and Jialin had ended the moment her friendship with Tian Xin did.
Tian Xin expressed her regret, stating that while there was nothing wrong with loving someone, Pipi owed her an apology for not disclosing that Tian Xin's boyfriend no longer loved her, especially as Pipi was her best friend. Tian Xin then elaborated that Pipi hadn't truly known Jialin, seeing him as an idealized figure rather than a real person with vulnerabilities. Tian Xin pointed out that Pipi had done little for Jialin in their relationship.
Despite the difficult conversation, Pipi expressed her hope that they could all move forward and remain friends. Later, Wang Xuan met with her boss, who praised her recent report, noting that it had made their publication, Xincheng Focus, a true "focus." He informed her that Zhang Dan, the host and producer of "Today Topic," was very interested in her work and had invited her for an exclusive interview the following day.
Wang Xuan, feeling nervous, suggested her boss go instead, but he emphasized it was a valuable opportunity for her, especially since they were short-staffed due to a colleague's maternity leave. Wang Xuan then called Zhao Song, who confirmed his involvement in securing her the interview, mentioning that he had spoken to Zhang Dan, a friend of his.
He also hinted that the attention was largely due to the "big news" he had provided her on a USB drive the previous morning. Zhao Song also gave her new clothes for the TV appearance, intending for her to be remembered by the audience. He then showed her images, claiming they were photos of Ciel Group, Qian Hua's company, conducting animal experiments.
Wang Xuan expressed skepticism, stating that Ciel Group was known for not using animals in testing, but Zhao Song simply told her to decide what to do with the information. Meanwhile, at Pipi's family home, Xiu Xian and Kuanyong were with Mr. Xin. Mr. Xin shared a philosophical insight about how humans, like variables, constantly change, suggesting that some answers might come naturally over time. He humorously alluded to the fox clan, which amused Xiu Xian and Xiaoju.
Qian Hua visited Pipi, apologizing for her unannounced arrival. Qian Hua revealed a crucial truth: Pipi was the reincarnation of Shen Huiyan, who had sacrificed herself to heal Helan's eyes and was marked by the Flower of the Fox, destined to restart her life every 25 years. Qian Hua explained that Helan had been searching for a way to save Pipi's life and ensure its completion, and a method had finally been found in their current era.
However, this solution came at a grave cost: if Helan saved Pipi, he would die, as his death was necessary for Pipi's energy to be fully restored. The grim condition for this exchange was that Helan and Pipi must be deeply in love. Pipi, horrified, questioned if Helan was aware of this and if he had already decided to sacrifice himself.
Qian Hua confessed her reluctance to see either of them perish but admitted that if forced to choose, she would prioritize Helan. Pipi, in despair, acknowledged that she also did not want Helan to die. She then reiterated the cruel condition: they had to be in love for Helan to save her life. Following this revelation, Jialin visited Helan Jingting. He introduced himself as Pipi's good friend, though Jingting recognized him from earlier encounters.
Jialin, feigning concern, offered unsolicited advice about Pipi's habits and preferences, such as her preference for walking on the left, setting the air conditioner to 26 degrees, and her fondness for orange juice. He confessed that Pipi was his most important friend despite their breakup and expressed his concern for her well-being with Jingting, given that he was Pipi's only previous boyfriend. Jialin urged Jingting not to hurt Pipi as he once had. Jingting assured him he would not.
During their conversation, Jingting received a call from Pipi. She hung up abruptly after a brief, tense exchange. Later, Pipi called Jialin, reminding him of his promise to do anything to atone for hurting her in the past. She then asked him for a favor. Subsequently, Pipi confronted Helan, confessing that she had thought deeply and realized she was still in love with Jialin. Helan immediately sensed her insincerity, telling her she was a bad actress.
Pipi insisted she was serious, claiming their relationship was a deception and that she had used his affection to heal her own emptiness. She apologized, but Helan refused to believe her, stating their connection felt genuine. Pipi then cruelly told him that despite his good qualities, he wasn't Jialin, and ultimately, he wasn't human, making a future together impossible. Helan, heartbroken, respected her decision but demanded she look him in the eye and say she didn't love him.
Pipi repeated the words, "I don't love you," multiple times until Helan acquiesced. With a heavy heart, she then asked him to remove the Pearl of Charm from her. Helan questioned her certainty, but Pipi simply reminded him of his promise to help her. Wang Xuan appeared on the "Today Topic" show with Zhang Dan. She passionately defended the role of entertainment journalists, asserting that while public opinion might be biased, their work provided necessary exposure and accountability.
She claimed her investigations aimed to reveal truths useful to society, particularly regarding instances of deception. When prompted for examples, Wang Xuan specifically named Ciel Group. She alleged that despite the brand's claims of natural ingredients and cruelty-free practices, her investigation had uncovered evidence of Ciel Group conducting animal experiments. Simultaneously, Ciel Group plunged into crisis.
Qian Hua's employee informed her of the live broadcast, which showed videos of animal testing at their facilities, causing immediate backlash from animal rights groups and demands for an investigation from the Bureau of Quality Supervision. Qian Hua decided to face the bureau personally, but her employee reminded her that many of their product formulas contained secret Fox Clan ingredients, which could not be revealed to humans.
Prioritizing the Fox Clan's safety, Qian Hua made the painful decision to destroy all sensitive formula documents, accepting the loss of her company rather than risking exposure of the clan's secrets. News reports quickly spread, showing footage of furious crowds confronting Qian Hua, accusing her of being a "profiteer" and dousing her with water. Separately, Zhao Song placed a call, hinting at the troubles faced by "Long Hua, Qian Hua," and other individuals.
He claimed ignorance of the specific events but noted that those affected were all supporters of Helan Jingting, subtly asserting his influence behind the scenes. Meanwhile, back at Jingting's residence, Xiu Xian speculated about Pipi's character, suggesting she had used Helan as a "stand-by lover." Kuanyong staunchly defended Pipi, dismissing Xiu Xian's accusations. However, when news of Qian Hua's company crisis broke, Helan called them to check on her, and they rushed to Qian Hua's side.
Finding her distraught, they offered their support. Qian Hua explained that the scandal was instigated by Wang Xuan, a journalist who had previously interviewed her and was a colleague of Pipi's. Xiu Xian immediately jumped to the conclusion that Pipi and Wang Xuan had conspired. However, Qian Hua, now aware of Pipi’s breakup with Helan, understood Pipi’s painful motives.
She forcefully silenced Xiu Xian's wild accusations, stating he didn't understand the full truth and that Pipi had her reasons, though she couldn't reveal them. Observing Qian Hua's distress, Kuanyong suspected a deeper truth was hidden. He calmed Xiu Xian, deciding to approach Wang Xuan to uncover the full story.
