Novoland: The Castle in the Sky 2 Episode 22 Recap
> Novoland: The Castle in the Sky 2 Recap
Feng Ruche diligently stayed by Xue Jingkong’s bedside as he lay unconscious, refusing Fang Qimo's pleas to rest or eat. Fang Qimo tried to comfort her, even claiming Xue Jingkong was "family" and offering to stay, but Feng Ruche insisted on being alone with him, saying she wouldn't leave until he recovered.
She confided to the sleeping Xue Jingkong her long-held feelings, reminiscing about their first meeting and how she initially thought him handsome, but her father had warned her that such words might mean he would become her husband. Regretting her past reserve, she now openly confessed, "I like you. I want to always be with you." She even playfully noted her improved handwriting, something he used to criticize, wishing he would wake to see it.
Feng Ruche then tenderly kissed Xue Jingkong. To her immense joy and surprise, Xue Jingkong stirred awake, weakly remarking on the noise. Feng Ruche was overjoyed and cried, tightly hugging Xue Jingkong. When she asked if he heard her confessions, he claimed he hadn't, and advised her to rest. As Feng Ruche started to leave, she abruptly turned back, convinced he had heard everything, as he always coughed to cover up awkwardness.
She declared her feelings more directly: "Xue Jingkong, I like you." She clarified it wasn't the affection between teacher and pupil or even friends, but "the kind that you know." Xue Jingkong tried to discourage her, reminding her that such words were "against proper relations, disgraceful and dishonorable" for a master and student. However, Feng Ruche insisted she no longer wanted him as her master, but as her husband, to stay by her side forever.
When he confirmed he heard her, she stopped him from speaking further, saying she only wanted to hear the answer she desired and would eventually get it one day. Later, Xing Shangli spoke with Xue Jingkong, marveling that Feng Ruche's kiss had revived him, calling it "predestined fate."
He speculated that if she could save his life, she might also cure his "cryo sickness," especially since the color of the flower on Xue Jingkong's back, a symptom of his illness, had begun to fade after previously growing darker. Xing Shangli suggested this could be the "best of both worlds."
However, Xue Jingkong remained apprehensive, stating he had a bad feeling that it might be related to a curse and firmly refused to take advantage of Feng Ruche's feelings to cure his illness, as he was afraid he would hurt her. He declared it was "better to set each other free than struggle to survive together."
Despite this, Feng Ruche sought him out and earnestly invited him to the Silver Wings Cavalry's bonfire ceremony that night, hoping to watch the fireworks with him. The bonfire ceremony commenced, with new Silver Wings Cavalry members celebrating their induction. Feng Ruche, however, remained withdrawn, clearly upset that Xue Jingkong did not attend. Fang Qimo joined her, attempting to cheer her up by showing off a new "magic trick" to conjure fireworks, which he struggled with.
Although a few fireworks eventually appeared, Feng Ruche's gaze caught a fleeting glimpse of Xue Jingkong in the distance, only for him to vanish as she tried to approach. Heartbroken, she and Fang Qimo drank "Moonlight" wine. Fang Qimo, frustrated, expressed his feelings about "fighting over the same girl with my grandfather," confirming Xue Jingkong's identity as his ancestor. In her frustration, Feng Ruche started shouting "Scoundrel!"
at Xue Jingkong, and Fang Qimo joined her, shouting her name back to her. She confessed that despite his perceived flaws, she couldn't stop thinking of the good times, like when he brought her pineapple tarts when she was sick. She then lamented her decision to confess, feeling that she had lost even their friendship.
Fang Qimo, hearing her regrets after she dozed off, quietly reflected that pretending to be friends was "meaningless" and that those who did so "aren't happy at all." Feng Ruche eventually cried herself to sleep, leaning on Fang Qimo. That night, Xue Jingkong dreamt of Feng Ruche. In his dream, they were happily together in a scholarly setting, playful and intimate, and Xue Jingkong couldn't help but tightly embrace her, revealing his deep affection.
Feng Ruche observed that the flower petals around them never fell, asking if it was a dream. Xue Jingkong implicitly confirmed it was. Feng Ruche then asked him to find her when he woke up, to which he agreed. The next morning, Feng Ruche went to Xue Jingkong's room but found him absent. She discovered a small note she had previously given him, which he had kept. Meanwhile, a new batch of students arrived at the Elephant Camp.
Feng Ruche was chosen to give a speech as a senior student representative. Addressing a nervous new recruit, she shared her own experience of starting at the bottom and encouraged her. On stage, Feng Ruche delivered an inspiring speech, echoing some of Xue Jingkong's own sentiments about confidence, courage, and determination, and stressing the importance of knowing what one fights for.
Watching her from a distance, Xue Jingkong, accompanied by Xing Shangli, remarked that Feng Ruche had grown strong and no longer needed his constant protection. Xing Shangli reiterated that Feng Ruche could be an antidote for his cryo sickness, but Xue Jingkong firmly stated that Feng Ruche was a person, not a cure, reaffirming his decision not to use her for his own healing and thus preparing to leave the Elephant Camp.
Later, Lian Yi found Feng Ruche training new recruits and informed her that Xue Jingkong was leaving. Initially hesitant, Feng Ruche was persuaded by Lian Yi to say goodbye, as it might be her last chance to see him. Feng Ruche rushed to a secluded, tree-lined path known only to them, where she finally caught up to Xue Jingkong.
