My Bargain Queen Episode 31 Recap
> My Bargain Queen Recap
Sheng Zhening was frustrated after the diamond ring, lost at the amusement park despite An An's previous extensive search, remained unfound. Realizing it was too late to retrieve it, he activated Plan B, instructing An An to immediately buy an identical diamond ring, as he couldn't propose without one. That evening, Sheng Zhening took Xia Qian to a restaurant. He began to speak, saying he had many things he wanted to tell her but hadn't had the chance.
Xia Qian, anticipating a proposal, was suddenly confused when Sheng Zhening excused himself to make a phone call, citing the restaurant’s unromantic lighting. During his call, he reprimanded An An for his failure to secure a more suitable venue. While he was away, a waiter presented Xia Qian with a new dessert, a cake. Still puzzled by the situation, Xia Qian photographed the cake and sent it to Ai.
Ai, having heard Sheng Zhening still hadn't proposed, guessed the ring was hidden inside and urged Xia Qian to eat the cake quickly to find it. Xia Qian ate the entire cake, only to find no ring, leaving her disappointed. When Sheng Zhening returned and saw the empty plate, he mistakenly thought Xia Qian loved the cake and offered to order another one to go, which she promptly declined, stating she was full. Seeing this, Sheng Zhening suggested they leave.
Xia Qian was left bewildered and deflated, wondering if the proposal was off yet again. Later that night, alone at home, she pondered whether he would ever ask for her hand in marriage. The following day, Sheng Zhening called Xia Qian, not with another proposal attempt, but to inform her he was going on a business trip and wouldn't be able to have dinner with her as he needed to prepare materials.
Feeling repeatedly let down, Xia Qian met Ai and Mu Xiaoyan for a barbecue, pouring out her heart about the emotional rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Mu Xiaoyan suggested that if Sheng Zhening wouldn't propose, Xia Qian should take the initiative. Inspired, Xia Qian called Sheng Zhening, urgently summoning him to her mom's BBQ restaurant before hanging up. Worried, Sheng Zhening rushed over. A tipsy Xia Qian confronted him directly, demanding to know if he was going to marry her.
She challenged him about removing a ring he’d previously placed on her finger and his failed proposal attempts at the amusement park and restaurant. She even confessed she'd only eaten the unappetizing cake because she believed the ring was hidden inside. Sheng Zhening, embarrassed, explained his desire for a grand and romantic proposal, which had been repeatedly disrupted by unexpected accidents.
Xia Qian, however, declared that she didn't need elaborate romance; Sheng Zhening himself was her romance and the most special. With her heartfelt words, Sheng Zhening realized it was the moment, despite having no ring. Encouraged by Ai, Mu Xiaoyan, and the cheers of the other diners, he knelt on one knee and, using a squid ring from the barbecue as a makeshift engagement ring, asked Xia Qian to marry him.
He spoke of his love being proven by actions rather than words, and asked her to witness that truth with him. Deeply moved, Xia Qian tearfully accepted. The next morning, Xia Qian awoke to find a sparkling diamond ring on her finger, replacing the squid ring. Sheng Zhening, who had canceled his business trip, was busy making breakfast.
He told Xia Qian he had more important things to do that day and planned to take her to her mom's BBQ restaurant after breakfast to share their joyous news. He then suggested they return to the hotel so he could change into a more formal outfit for the visit, but Xia Qian assured him her mom loved him regardless of his attire, advising him not to be nervous.
At the BBQ restaurant, Sheng Zhening proudly announced their engagement to Xia Qian's mom. She was overjoyed, immediately giving her blessing and praising Sheng Zhening as an exceptional son-in-law. Sheng Zhening reaffirmed his vow to love, respect, and cherish Xia Qian, further delighting her mother. Xia Qian’s mom then shared some wisdom about marriage, stressing that it requires active management, tolerance, understanding, empathy, and mutual trust to thrive, not just romance.
Following her advice, she quickly turned to the topic of having children, urging them to start a family soon. She spontaneously decided to go buy a chicken and prepare nourishing soup for Xia Qian, insisting she would drink it daily in preparation for pregnancy. Meanwhile, Mu Xiaoyan and An An coincidentally met at a baby store, both planning to buy infant clothing as an engagement gift.
They playfully argued over who conceived the idea first and the potential gender of the baby, with An An suggesting Sheng Zhening preferred girls and Mu Xiaoyan countering that it could be a boy. They both ended up purchasing baby clothes. Xia Qian met with Fu Shuangshuang to share the happy news of Sheng Zhening’s proposal. Fu Shuangshuang was thrilled for her.
When Xia Qian inquired about Fu Shuangshuang's romantic life, Fu Shuangshuang hesitated, concerned about Xia Qian’s reaction to Qin Hebo. She then revealed that she and Qin Hebo were now together. Xia Qian, who had already suspected their relationship given their constant closeness and Fu Shuangshuang's feelings, offered her sincere blessings, emphasizing that love is a deeply personal matter. Separately, Sheng Zhening visited Ning Meng at her cake shop to invite her to his and Xia Qian's engagement banquet.
Ning Meng apologized for her past behavior but politely declined, saying her presence would create an awkward situation for everyone. Fu Shuangshuang also expressed her apologies to Xia Qian via message, explaining that she couldn't attend the engagement banquet. The underlying reason for her absence was due to Qin Hebo's unresolved issues with Sheng Zhening, a fact Qin Hebo later acknowledged to her.
He apologized for putting her in a tough spot and promised to resolve his problems with Sheng Zhening if she gave him more time. Fu Shuangshuang reassured him of her unwavering support. Xia Qian's mother then presented her daughter and future son-in-law with an engagement gift: a pair of jade dragon and phoenix pendants. She explained she had bought them with all her life savings and even borrowed money from Uncle Hu, proudly stating they cost 200,000 yuan.
Xia Qian was distressed, fearing her mother had been overcharged and insisting such an expensive gift was unnecessary. She also noted that the traditional pendants, which had a somewhat 'nouveau riche' feel, wouldn't match their engagement attire. Her mother, however, explained that she wanted to give a fitting gift to Sheng Zhening, who had been so kind to Xia Qian. She also became emotional, confessing her bittersweet feelings about Xia Qian getting married after years of wishing for it.
Sheng Zhening, appreciating the heartfelt gesture, reassured her that the sentiment behind the gift was what truly mattered, and insisted they wear them, even if hidden beneath their clothes, to honor her mother's deep affection. Soon after, Sheng Zhening took Xia Qian to visit his parents’ graves, Sheng Shaoxuan and Ning Shuying, to share the news of their engagement. Xia Qian respectfully greeted her future in-laws, promising to care for Sheng Zhening.
Sheng Zhening then revealed a long-held secret: before joining Evergreen, he dreamed of becoming a violinist. His father, Sheng Shaoxuan, however, strongly opposed his artistic aspirations, wanting him to take over the family business. He recounted the day his father died in a car accident. He had planned to surprise his father with a violin performance, but the music only enraged Sheng Shaoxuan, who shattered the violin. On the drive home, his father tragically passed away.
Sheng Zhening expressed profound regret over their final argument, wishing he had chosen to talk calmly instead. He confessed that only after taking over Evergreen and having to project confidence despite his inner turmoil, did he truly understand his father's profound intentions and that his father’s desire for him to lead the company was a deep form of recognition. He lamented that this understanding came too late for his father to hear.
Xia Qian comforted him, assuring him that his father would surely understand and would not want him to remain sad. At that moment, Qin Hebo arrived with a bouquet of sunflowers. He mentioned that he used to place sunflowers in Sheng Shaoxuan's room as his assistant, as Sheng Shaoxuan believed they were a reminder to find happiness amidst life's challenges. Qin Hebo then offered his congratulations to Sheng Zhening on his engagement. Sensing the need for the two brothers to speak privately, Xia Qian discreetly excused herself to wait outside.
