Moonshine and Valentine Episode 22 Recap
> Moonshine and Valentine Recap
Jialin remained hospitalized, with Pipi as his sole visitor. Despite the emergency that led to his shock, Jialin retained memories of being taken by Pipi's friends to Jingting's home and receiving treatment from him. This revelation caused Pipi a flicker of fear, but Jialin calmly assured her that he would keep this secret, regardless of the full truth. When the conversation shifted to Tian Xin, Jialin's gaze became evasive.
He confessed his reluctance to face his former lover, especially in front of someone he had betrayed. Pipi, however, expressed no resentment, instead conveying a desire to use their limited time to help friends resolve their emotional conflicts. Pipi reminded Jialin of their painful breakup, recalling his explanation that she wasn't the right fit for him, leading him to choose Tian Xin. Now, after their separation, he was again using a similar excuse for his relationship with Tian Xin.
Pipi pressed him to confront the issue directly, asserting that their past relationship was too significant to be dismissed with a mere platitude. Shortly after, Pipi called Tian Xin, suggesting she offer some comfort to Jialin in the hospital. Tian Xin was moved to tears by the unexpected call from her old friend. Pipi frankly admitted that she wasn't Jialin's destined partner, and that she had once tried to emulate Tian Xin to overcome her own insecurities.
Now, having moved past that phase, she saw a potential for a happy ending for Tian Xin and Jialin. Inspired by Pipi's candidness, Tian Xin decided she could no longer avoid Jialin, acknowledging that some matters, even if understood, require a formal closure. Xiaoju, Xiu Xian, and Kuanyong busily planned Pipi's wedding. They learned of an ancient promise between Huiyan and Jingting, made centuries ago, to marry on the water, beneath the moon.
Xiaoju was enchanted by the idea, making finding a suitable water source their immediate priority. As they discussed practicalities, they indulged in humorous fantasies about their own past lives, each from their unique perspective. Their amusing and delightful scenarios brought laughter, though Xiu Xian and Kuanyong's visions hinted at diverging paths, with Xiu Xian dryly remarking his role as an "extra character" in Kuanyong's happy ending.
At this moment, standing at a metaphorical crossroads, Xiaoju realized the answer to a question that had consumed her thoughts for a long time. Instead of excitement or joy, this realization brought a sense of overwhelming bewilderment. Qingmu approached Jingting, offering his heartfelt congratulations on his impending marriage. Jingting, in turn, expressed years of apology to Qingmu, revealing that Qianhua had shared the full truth about Qingmu's hardships and sacrifices.
Jingting felt deeply indebted for the love Qingmu had shown him. For the first time, they genuinely conveyed mutual respect and anticipation for their future relationship. Qingmu then reverently presented Jingting with the key symbolizing the Chief Priest's supreme authority. Jingting knelt, humbly accepting the gift and the position he had never sought.
Qingmu emphasized that the Fox Clan was weakening, particularly the conservative Northern branch, and believed Jingting was the ideal leader to introduce new ideas and bridge the divide for the clan's future. Later, Pipi visited Xiaoju, presenting her with a new outfit and necklace, which fit perfectly. Pipi explained she wouldn't wear such dark clothes anymore because Jingting preferred lighter colors. Xiaoju then inquired about Pipi's feelings for Xiu Xian and Kuanyong, noting their "unclear" relationship.
Pipi admitted her confusion but reassured Xiaoju, encouraging her to always remain true to herself and be happy. Pipi's words and actions, including giving Xiaoju all her clothes, took on an ominous tone, making Xiaoju wonder if Pipi was "making arrangements" or saying goodbye. Pipi dismissed her concerns as random thoughts, reiterating her gratitude for Xiaoju's meticulous wedding preparations.
Zhao Song brought Wang Xuan directly to Jingting's residence, entering without permission, an act Wang Xuan found concerning but Zhao Song shrugged off as routine. As Wang Xuan, now a celebrated journalist thanks to Zhao Song, conversed with him, she expressed doubts about the authenticity of the information he'd provided her regarding Qianhua's company, fearing it could lead to slander.
Zhao Song dismissed her concerns, focusing on the pursuit of "hot news" and "attention," comparing it to her past celebrity gossip work and implying that Qianhua's company's problems were just the tip of the iceberg. He then showed her numerous paintings of Huiyan's likeness throughout the house, encouraging Wang Xuan to photograph them for sensational headlines.
Wang Xuan observed that Pipi appeared in some of the paintings, dressed in clothing from various dynasties, and noted the ancient style of the artwork, realizing Pipi's unusual connection to Jingting. Consumed by admiration, Wang Xuan confessed her feelings for Zhao Song, stating they were alike in their "coldness and cruelty," believing they could forge a legendary bond. However, Zhao Song, with chilling indifference, plunged a sharp dagger into her chest. Wang Xuan died with a smile on her face.
Sometime later, while Pipi was tidying her belongings, she came across a peculiar set of photos. These were the very images Wang Xuan had diligently captured, documenting evidence of the Fox Clan's existence. Pipi realized these had inadvertently fallen into her pocket during a previous collision with Wang Xuan at the newspaper office. The chilling implications of the photos caused Pipi to break out in a cold sweat, afraid to delve deeper into their meaning.
