My Eternal Star Episode 21 Recap
> My Eternal Star Recap
Lu Yuheng and Lin Xiaodi, both wearing their matching star necklaces, affirmed their 15-year separation and their unwavering desire to remain together. Lu Yuheng poured out his heart to Lin Xiaodi's parents, explaining that before Lin Xiaodi became "their" Xiaodi, she was "his Little Star," and he had searched for her for fifteen years, just as long as she had lived with them.
He earnestly asked for their blessing, promising to devote his life to making Lin Xiaodi happy and vowing never to lose her again. Lin Xiaodi's mother recognized Lu Yuheng as the boy from Lin Xiaodi's childhood. Initially, Lin Xiaodi's father, Mr. Lin, remained silent, then started to leave.
When pressed by his wife for an answer, he stated that he could not go against destiny if Lu Yuheng and Lin Xiaodi were truly fated to be together, implying his reluctant consent. He maintained his tough facade, warning Lu Yuheng that this was only "the preliminary test" and more "re-tests and a final exam" were ahead. Despite his sternness, both Mr. and Mrs. Lin promised their daughter they would move their work back to China to live closer.
Lu Yuheng later told Lin Xiaodi that he wasn't afraid of Mr. Lin because they both shared the common trait of loving her dearly, making them allies. Team Eternity successfully qualified for the city finals, joining three other teams: Team 17, Team Jiesa, and Team Yeshang. Lu Yuheng was confident in his team's abilities, instructing Liu Yan to book a venue for their celebration feast even before the final win, an act that also revealed Liu Yan's subdued mood.
Meanwhile, Zhao Muran had been earnestly preparing for a period drama role, a project specifically tailored for him by his cousin, Zhao Jinxuan. Zhao Jinxuan had invested significantly in the production, even humbling himself before key crew members like Brother Wu to secure the best team. Zhao Muran, arriving early one morning, overheard Wu's assistants openly disparaging Zhao Jinxuan, mocking his efforts and calling him a fool.
Though he had his own issues with Zhao Jinxuan, Zhao Muran fiercely defended his cousin, asserting that while he could criticize Zhao Jinxuan, no one else was allowed. A heated argument erupted, almost escalating into a fight until Hua intervened. Zhao Jinxuan, arriving at the scene and misunderstanding the situation, immediately reprimanded Zhao Muran for fighting, calling him "hopeless" and expressing his regret for ever getting involved.
Hurt by the harsh words and lack of explanation, Zhao Muran angrily threw down his script, declared he was quitting the drama, and stormed off, telling Zhao Jinxuan he never wanted to see him again. Back at Lu Yuheng's home, Liu Yan and Lu Yuheng were discussing team matters when Lin Xiaodi purposefully brought Han Ruibing over, hoping to facilitate a conversation between them.
Lin Xiaodi, who usually drank juice or coffee, offered Han Ruibing milk tea, mentioning that Liu Yan had specifically brought it and asked her to give it to Han Ruibing. Despite the gesture of care, Han Ruibing remained outwardly cold, stating she didn't like milk tea and preferred coffee or juice, dismissing Liu Yan's "useless concerns."
Lin Xiaodi invited Liu Yan to stay for lunch to talk things over, but Han Ruibing's stubbornness led Liu Yan to refuse, saying he had other commitments and advising them not to disturb Lu Yuheng, who was on a conference call. After Liu Yan left, Lin Xiaodi tried to make Han Ruibing see that she clearly cared for Liu Yan despite her hard-headedness.
Han Ruibing, however, maintained that there was nothing to discuss, as they had already broken up, making any romantic gestures pointless. Later, to celebrate their strong performance in the city semi-finals, Lu Yuheng took Team Eternity out for a team dinner and relaxation trip. The team, in high spirits, teased Lin Xiaodi and insisted she drink alcohol. Han Ruibing stepped in to drink on Lin Xiaodi's behalf, and then, in a defiant move, offered to drink Lu Yuheng's glass too.
However, Liu Yan quickly snatched the glass from her and drank it himself. He then admonished her for drinking on an empty stomach, expressing concern for her health. Han Ruibing challenged him, asking what right he had to care for her now. In a tense moment fueled by alcohol and unresolved emotions, Liu Yan impulsively pulled Han Ruibing into a passionate kiss.
Back at their overnight accommodation, Lu Yuheng deliberately arranged for Han Ruibing and Liu Yan to share a room. Lin Xiaodi, hearing their loud arguments and playful sounds from the adjacent room, grew worried and tried to intervene. However, Lu Yuheng pulled her back, reassuring her that they would be fine and asserting that it was a "restless night" requiring him to protect her.
He pulled her onto the bed and moved closer, making Lin Xiaodi close her eyes in a shy attempt to pretend to sleep. Despite the raucous night next door, the next morning, Han Ruibing and Liu Yan emerged seemingly reconciled, jokingly denying they had ever fought and returning to their previously affectionate dynamic. Meanwhile, Hua found Zhao Muran and revealed the extent of Zhao Jinxuan's hidden support.
She explained that when Zhao Muran first debuted, the entire company, including herself, had been against investing resources in him, but Zhao Jinxuan had insisted. He founded Star Entertainment with the sole purpose of making Zhao Muran a star. Hua further disclosed that Zhao Jinxuan had collaborated with Lu Yuheng to secure the current period drama role for Zhao Muran and that Zhao Jinxuan had even paid Zhao Muran's liquidated damages from his personal account.
She then recounted a past incident during filming when a metal rack fell on Zhao Muran during a heavy rain, knocking him unconscious. With ambulances unable to reach them due to the weather, Zhao Jinxuan had carried Zhao Muran all the way to the hospital, contracting severe pneumonia himself. He had lied about food poisoning to prevent Zhao Muran from feeling guilty or burdened. Zhao Muran was deeply moved, finally realizing the depth of Zhao Jinxuan's care and sacrifices.
During this time, Tianyin visited Zhao Muran, who was focused on perfecting his acting for the new role, hoping to regain popularity and convince Zhao Jinxuan to let him release a single. Tianyin then revealed that she had also taken a supporting role in Zhao Muran's new drama. Zhao Muran expressed concern that taking a minor role would be a disservice to her booming career, but Tianyin assured him it was worth it. She explained that she wanted to stand by him during his difficult times, just as he had once supported her.
