Moonshine and Valentine Episode 9 Recap
> Moonshine and Valentine Recap
A century ago, young Xiu Xian and Kuanyong endured brutal beatings and torture at Tanfeng House, treated as mere commodities for sale. The Madam of Tanfeng House oversaw their exploitation, urging them to quickly finish their meals and serve guests. A major client visited, seeking a "young man" from the establishment to "have progenies for the clan." The madam offered Xiu Xian and Kuanyong, noting one was new and the other "better."
While Xiu Xian was having medicine applied to him, he and Kuanyong contemplated escape, but the Madam's enforcers quickly caught and beat them. Their plight was interrupted by the arrival of the Right High Priest, Helan. He accused the Madam of colluding with human dignitaries to traffic their fox kin, a severe offense.
He declared that Tanfeng House, despite having Lord Qingmu's token, must be dissolved because it operated on his territory and its practices of immoderately using "breeding foxes" for reproduction were alienating the clan, reducing progenies. Helan asserted that relationships built on love were more solid than mere consanguinity or lust, forming the true basis for the clan's peace.
After freeing the captive foxes, he told Xiu Xian and Kuanyong to stop following him, stating he couldn't take care of them, but they continued to follow him. Feeling exhausted, Pipi visited Xiaoju at her café. Pipi shared that she had resigned from her job, feeling overwhelmed by recent events and wanting to clear her mind. Her main focus was now on moving to America with Jialin to start a new life.
However, Jialin had yet to bring up the topic, citing issues with his lost degree certificate which required him to travel. Xiaoju expressed her skepticism, sensing Jialin might not intend to take Pipi with him. Pipi then confessed to Xiaoju about an earlier encounter where she had brought realgar to meet Helan, which resulted in him being hurt when he put his finger into it.
Xiaoju criticized Pipi's actions, reminding her that Helan was fond of her and had never harmed her. She challenged Pipi's fear, suggesting that if Helan were equally afraid of humans, he might bring something like sulfuric acid to a meeting. Xiaoju then mentioned the unusual behavior of Xiu Xian and Kuanyong, noting they were having some sort of "tantrum" and were not at the café. Pipi then went to Helan’s residence, bringing him fresh, fertilizer-free flowers.
She awkwardly apologized for hurting his finger with the realgar, but Helan dismissed it, saying he was the one who put his finger into it. Pipi also informed him that she had resigned, so the article about him would not be published, thus his secrets would remain safe. Helan expressed his gratitude. Pipi admitted that she was beginning to believe his stories but questioned why he shared such truths with an "ordinary girl" like her, suggesting it might instill fear.
Helan reaffirmed his vow never to lie to her, stating he would always answer her questions truthfully. Pipi then asked why he had chosen her, wondering if there was anything special about her. Helan responded by saying that in his heart, she was "the most special, most distinctive girl" he was willing to "risk his life for." Pipi found the declaration too serious. She then offered to help him change the dressing on his healing finger, which he accepted.
As she re-bandaged his hand, Pipi's curiosity led her to ask more about the Fox Clan, specifically why some foxes consume human livers. Helan explained that it boosts their energy. He then clarified that the Southern Fox Clan, including Xiu Xian and Kuanyong, do not eat human livers, as he had established that rule centuries ago. Pipi then hesitantly asked if he himself had ever consumed one.
Helan confessed that he had, but it was "not voluntary" and had happened "a long time ago." Upon hearing this, Pipi’s newfound calmness was shattered by a renewed wave of fear, and she abruptly said goodbye and left. As she departed, Helan expressed that if his absence would allow her to lead an ordinary, happy life, he would willingly stay away, acknowledging that his "wishful thinking" could be harmful.
Pipi acknowledged his words, assuring him that she understood and would strive for her own happiness. They parted ways. Despite their typically close bond, Xiu Xian and Kuanyong had been bickering constantly. This friction extended to their plans to see a movie with Xiaoju. Even as they arrived at the cinema, they argued about where to sit and who would buy popcorn, each refusing to accommodate the other.
To avoid direct contact, they seated Xiaoju between them, continuing their subtle jabs and bickering throughout the film. During the movie, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," Kuanyong praised the chimpanzee character, Caesar, and, reflecting on the film's depiction of human cruelty, suggested that such humans should be imprisoned. Xiu Xian disagreed, asserting that such actions would make them no different from the very humans they condemned.
Their constant squabbling and possessiveness over Xiaoju made the outing simultaneously amusing and awkward for her. After the movie, Xiaoju reflected on their strange dynamic, noting how the usually inseparable pair were now acting like feuding brothers. Xiu Xian vehemently denied any shared origin with Kuanyong. They continued to argue, even about the possibility of a sequel to the film and its potential plot. After the movie, Xiaoju arranged to meet Pipi for dinner.
As Pipi approached the restaurant, she saw Jialin and Tian Xin together, their demeanor intimate and comfortable. Heartbroken, Pipi ignored Xiaoju's attempts to redirect her to another restaurant. She slowly walked towards them, her gaze fixed on the two. She then called Tian Xin's phone. Tian Xin, still with Jialin, answered and attempted to deceive Pipi, claiming she was having dinner with her professor.
However, a casual turn of the head revealed Tian Xin and Jialin's shocked faces as they saw Pipi standing before them. The pretense became futile. Pipi confronted Jialin, who, at the most inopportune moment, blurted out the truth. He claimed they "don't suit each other" and that he "maybe just don't like her anymore," denying it had anything to do with Tian Xin.
Pipi, devastated by the years of deceit, demanded to know why he hadn't told her sooner and compelled him to say the words: "We are done." Heartbroken and devastated, Pipi sought solace in alcohol, drinking heavily at a bar late into the night. A predatory man approached her, offering more drinks and subtly slipping a drug into her glass. Unaware and already inebriated, Pipi consumed the doctored drink and quickly passed out. She later awoke in an unknown, dark place.
Fortunately, as Pipi left the bar, she was spotted by a fox clan member, who immediately reported her abduction to Helan. Helan, in turn, contacted Xiu Xian and Kuanyong. They were still at Xiaoju's cafe, listening to Xiaoju recount Pipi's painful breakup with Jialin, while also bickering over their food. Upon receiving Helan's urgent call, the three swiftly departed to initiate a rescue.
Regaining some consciousness, Pipi desperately tried to escape her perilous situation, but her nerves were still numbed by the drug, causing her to stumble and fall after only a few steps. The assailant seized her, tearing her clothes and revealing a dark red mark on the back of her neck. Pipi cried out for help. Just then, Helan arrived, intervened, and swiftly subdued the attacker.
He rescued the unconscious Pipi, who, thanks to his timely arrival, had not been further harmed. Helan held her protectively in his arms and carried her to Kuanyong's waiting car. Unbeknownst to them, Wang Xuan meticulously observed and recorded the entire rescue on her camera.
