Moonshine and Valentine Episode 5 Recap
> Moonshine and Valentine Recap
The episode opens with an explanation of a cherished Fox Clan tradition: wearing the Pearl of Charm signifies an eternal bond. A voice questions why Lord Qingmu insists that Helan Jingting, also known as Xi, bestow the Pearl upon a human girl so soon. Lord Qingmu's voice clarifies that for Xi's sake, this human girl must remain healthy until her twenty-fifth birthday, when a specific astrological alignment of pure year, pure month, and pure day will recur.
He explains that for a human to reside among their clan for an extended period, it's safer for them to undergo the 'sowing the fragrance' process early, to prevent any accidental harm from unsuspecting clan members. The Left High Priest, Zhao Song, arrives to meet Helan, whom he addresses as the Right High Priest. Zhao Song conveys Lord Qingmu's desire to see him.
However, Helan, who has been estranged from his father for centuries, dismisses the invitation, stating there's no need for them to meet. Zhao Song warns that this prolonged confrontation between father and son is detrimental to the Fox Clan. Unmoved, Helan tells him to leave, claiming he has other matters to attend to. As Zhao Song departs, he converses with Xiu Xian.
Xiu Xian asks if Zhao Song's Pearl of Charm has been sent out, and Zhao Song confirms it's still with him. Xiu Xian then suggests Helan should give up on something, implying a previous futile effort on Helan's part, adding sarcasm. This leads to a brief exchange where Xiu Xian warns Zhao Song about the misuse of spells, expressing concern for him. At the magazine office, a colleague notes a pleasant fragrance originating from Pipi, which others dismiss.
The chief editor announces disappointing magazine sales and tasks Guan Pipi with investigating Helan. Pipi finds that "Helan" was an ancient surname of northern minorities, later subsumed into the "He" surname, and wonders why Helan Jingting still uses it, also noting his wealth but lack of online presence. Another colleague discovers a Tang Dynasty poet named Helan Jingming who married a beautiful fox, was later forced by his family to steal the Gold Flower Mirror, and was ultimately killed.
Wang Xuan dismisses such stories as fantasy, comparing them to fictional works. Yet, when a colleague mentions that Empress Wu Zetian's sister's family also bore the "Helan" surname and were rumored to possess fox enchantment, capable of controlling people's minds and bodies, Wang Xuan becomes visibly unsettled, recalling her own unsettling experience with Qian Hua's lipstick. Pipi's colleagues press her on how she managed to secure a date with Helan, to which Pipi vaguely responds that he's "kind of weird."
Wang Xuan, frustrated by Pipi's non-answer, suggests they change their story from "Helan and Qian Hua" to "Gossip Reporter Climbing On the Mysterious Rich was Skyrocketing Overnight," implying a relationship between Pipi and Helan. Pipi vehemently denies it, stating they are not close. The chief editor concludes the discussion, asking Pipi to continue her research for the interview.
Later, Wang Xuan questions Xiaoyu, the person who let her into the auction previously, about a "tall and slender" man (referring to Kuanyong) who works as a plastic surgeon. Xiaoyu claims not to know him or his hospital. Wang Xuan then asks Xiaoyu to repeat the part about the Helan family having fox enchantment and controlling people's minds and bodies. At a cafe, Helan discusses the Pearl of Charm with Kuanyong and Xiu Xian.
He observes that unlike for Huiyan, the Pearl did not glow when Pipi wore it. Kuanyong explains that the Pearl only illuminates when both the giver and receiver are genuinely connected. He clarifies that while Pipi, in her past incarnations as Huiyan, consistently fell in love with Helan at first sight, in this current era, she has not yet reciprocated his feelings.
Xiu Xian adds that times and aesthetics have changed, offering a pragmatic reason for Pipi's lack of immediate affection. The conversation devolves into playful bickering between Xiu Xian and Kuanyong about their good looks and a female customer, before Helan receives an urgent phone call, prompting them to leave. Wang Xuan approaches her old classmate, Jian Zhihong, a doctor, to analyze the lipstick she received from Qian Hua, claiming it caused an allergic reaction.
Despite Jian Zhihong's busy schedule and initial reluctance, Wang Xuan's persistent nagging, appeals to their old friendship, and even feigned dramatics about a "doctor not helping a patient," eventually wear him down. He agrees to analyze the lipstick when he has time. Concerned about his upcoming date with Pipi, Helan summons Kuanyong and Xiu Xian for fashion advice. Helan admits his extreme nervousness about dating a modern girl.
Kuanyong attempts to explain the complexities of contemporary female psychology, using examples like a girl saying she's "not hungry" (meaning she wants to be coaxed to eat her favorite food) or telling him to "order for me" (meaning she wants him to order all the expensive dishes she desires). He simplifies it into a rule: "whatever they say they want, they don't actually want it. And when they say they don't want it, they do want it."
Xiu Xian and Kuanyong then launch into a centuries-long argument over what style Helan should wear for the date, with Xiu Xian suggesting a "too revealing" look and Kuanyong advocating for a "gentlemanly" attire. Fed up with their bickering, Helan decides to wear his usual clothes, thanking them sarcastically for their help. Meanwhile, Tian Xin tries to avoid Tao Jialin, but he confronts her.
He questions why she's avoiding him, especially since they are old friends and classmates, and their interactions haven't caused Pipi any harm. Tian Xin confesses her fear of accidentally revealing something. Later, Tao Jialin presses her further about her earlier mysterious statement. Tian Xin, frustrated, admits the truth: she has feelings for him. Tao Jialin, while acknowledging his own feelings for her, states he cannot abandon Pipi.
Tian Xin explains her painful dilemma: she is Pipi's best friend, and Tao Jialin is Pipi's most beloved person. If they were to be together, Pipi would lose both of them, who represent her entire world. Tao Jialin urges her to consider her own feelings, but Tian Xin believes the most rational path is to minimize harm, even if it means ongoing suffering for the three of them.
Tao Jialin, convinced Pipi will eventually realize she loves someone who doesn't love her, tries to persuade Tian Xin to meet him for dinner. Tian Xin refuses, but moments later, she "forgets" her phone, seemingly to avoid Tao Jialin, only to quickly send Pipi the restaurant address when Pipi calls, believing Tian Xin is inviting her to dinner. Tian Xin then privately makes a painful sacrifice, urging Tao Jialin not to disappoint Pipi, who only has him.
Wang Xuan visits a plastic surgery clinic, desperately trying to get an immediate appointment to enhance her looks before her wedding the next day. The receptionist informs her that only online appointments are accepted and cosmetic surgery requires a recovery period. Wang Xuan, undeterred, asks if there are any cancellations or no-shows. She also inquires about a tall, handsome doctor, whom the receptionist identifies as "Doctor Zhao," mentioning his high demand.
Wang Xuan confronts Doctor Zhao (Kuanyong in his human disguise), who sternly reiterates that he is a plastic surgeon, not a magician, and cannot make instant changes to her face for her wedding. Helan waits at a high-end restaurant for his date. Pipi arrives, promptly declaring her purpose is to interview him, not dine. Helan introduces himself as "Helan" or "Helan Xi." Pipi begins with standard interview questions, asking his age, to which Helan truthfully replies, "About 900 years old."
When asked about his diet, he states he eats "fresh flowers," leading to Pipi's disbelief. He clarifies his profession as a collector with no income, prompting Pipi to label him an "heir." Helan admits to having someone he likes, but when Pipi presses if it's Qian Hua, he expresses annoyance at her invading his privacy. Pipi explains that it's for work, and she aspires to be a political reporter, focusing on environmental issues and hoping to join "Xincheng Daily."
Helan assures her she will succeed and pledges to help. Applying Xiu Xian's dubious dating advice, Helan insists on ordering lavish dishes for Pipi, including sparkling water and seafood, despite her protests that she doesn't eat seafood due to an allergy. When Pipi challenges him about not eating human food, Helan demonstrates by refusing a flower because it has "fertilizer," further frustrating Pipi. He reiterates his unwavering honesty throughout his "whole life," a phrase Pipi corrects him on.
Pipi continues her questions, asking his hometown. Helan replies "Sky Fox Star," a planet, revealing he's an alien and not human. He confesses he is a fox, confirming Pipi's shocked deduction that he is an "alien fox." Pipi, overwhelmed, declares she's leaving, citing her seafood allergy. Helan apologizes, blaming Xiu Xian's "women's logic" advice for his misunderstanding.
At the same time, Wang Xuan receives the lipstick analysis results from Jian Zhihong, who states the lipstick's ingredients are incredibly simple and safe, lacking even lead, which is common in lipsticks. He describes its color as beautiful and "magical." Back at the restaurant, Helan continues to insist he only eats flowers, leading Pipi to use more internet slang like "Now, I've seen everything" and "I don't get it, but it's amazing."
Helan, intrigued, asks Pipi to explain these terms and other slang. Pipi explains them, then asks how someone so young doesn't use the internet. Helan reminds her he's "much older," revealing his age again: "About 900 years older." Pipi, still skeptical, challenges him to prove his fox nature.
Helan demonstrates his keen sense of smell, identifying the printing ink on her hands, the pork buns and yogurt she had for lunch, and even the exact shape and ingredients of the dishes about to be served—square steak with truffle sauce, carrots, spinach, and Italian fish sauce. When Pipi suggests he simply knows the restaurant's menu, Helan adds that he can also smell her current emotion: anger.
Pipi admits her frustration, feeling he is playing with her, but Helan firmly states he has never lied to her in his "whole life." Pipi attempts to summarize his incredible claims: "You are an alien, pretending to be a human, a 900-year-old fox, right?" Helan confirms, adding that Xiu Xian and Kuanyong are also part of the Fox Clan. Pipi asks if they also eat flowers. Helan clarifies that only he eats flowers, while other foxes sometimes consume "human liver."
This horrifying revelation sends Pipi reeling, and she rushes to the restroom. Helan reflects on the nature of truth and lies, pondering whether lies, like an anesthetic, provide a more comforting illusion, making the harsh reality of truth unwelcome. As Pipi returns, Helan pulls her close, pressing her head to his chest. Time seems to stop for Pipi as she hears Helan's heart beating an impossibly slow three times per minute, shattering her understanding of the world.
