Out Of The Dream Episode 20 Recap
> Out Of The Dream Recap
Yu Fei, carrying gifts and a cake, stood hesitantly hidden behind a wall outside Yu Qing's TCM clinic. From her hiding spot, she observed her father talking to a cat he affectionately called "lass," musing about his own aging and declining physical and mental state. As she was about to approach, Yu Qing received a phone call from Qin Feng.
Qin Feng informed him she would stop by to pick up an umbrella she had left at his house and asked if he was alone. Yu Qing confirmed the clinic was closed and he was the only one present, then tried to invite her to dinner, but she declined, stating she would be quick. Hearing Qin Feng's imminent arrival, Yu Fei decided not to reveal herself.
She quietly placed the gifts and cake at the door and left without greeting her father. Yu Qing, unaware of her presence, continued talking to his cat about preparing seafood for it. Later that evening, after returning home and tidying up, Yu Fei set up a cozy cinema-themed date for Bai Feili, who apologized for being delayed by work. Yu Fei prepared a "super deluxe snack combo" for them.
They settled in to watch a movie, and Yu Fei eventually drifted off to sleep. When she awoke and apologized, she found Bai Feili also asleep. As she covered him with a blanket, he stirred, asking if he could hug her. Yu Fei then confessed that she had a terrible day: a subway train left right as she arrived, and her boyfriend hadn't responded to her texts or calls since 4 PM.
She expressed concern that he was disorganized, exemplified by him buying a thoughtful gift for her father but then losing contact, making her worry about being forgotten during dates or him not checking weather forecasts for important events like a wedding. Bai Feili then asked her if she wanted to marry him. Yu Fei clarified she was just giving hypothetical examples, but Bai Feili stated her "example game" would be completed with marriage.
Yu Fei playfully described marriage as a complex, multi-chapter game beyond simple love. Bai Feili affirmed his trust in her and thanked her for not inquiring about his bad day. Yu Fei suggested they simply pretend the day, except for that moment, never happened. The next day, while browsing online, Yu Fei discovered a recruitment notice for the first round of rehearsals for "New Golden Age of Spring and Autumn Period", scheduled for May 12, 2023.
She pondered if her three-year ban from performing on stage had expired. Although the recruitment required a Protagonist with five years of experience and a bachelor's degree, which she, as a freshman, lacked, an exception could be made for exceptional candidates. The main requirement was a three-minute self-introduction video. Her grandfather, Mr. Shang, a passionate photographer, enthusiastically offered to help.
During filming, Yu Fei was nervous and stumbled, but Mr. Shang, equipped with various lights and camera gear, directed her through multiple takes, adjusting lighting and adding close-ups. Despite Yu Fei's doubts about his editing skills, Mr. Shang confidently assured her the final product would be outstanding.
Without letting Yu Fei review it, he promptly submitted the video, joking that it was more fun for others to see and that if she didn't get selected, at least his video might go viral and make him a celebrity. Yu Fei later confirmed online that her application had been received. Hao Shi waited outside the studio for Master Guanjiu, offering to help with her bag and giving her a hot drink.
When Guan Jiu asked why he was still there, Hao Shi explained his concern for her walking home alone. Guan Jiu playfully dismissed him as a child, suggesting it was more unsafe for him to be out late. Hao Shi insisted he was a man and didn't want to be treated like a younger brother. He repeatedly tried to ask her a lingering question, but Guan Jiu deflected with talk of food or buses.
Finally, as a bus approached, Hao Shi boldly confessed his feelings, shouting "I like you!" Guan Jiu, embarrassed, quickly boarded the bus, telling him not to follow. Undeterred, Hao Shi stood outside, waving and making a heart gesture as the bus pulled away. On the bus, Guan Jiu looked at the hot drink he gave her and smiled.
In their backyard, Bai Feili shared stories about his father, Bai Juyuan, who started in real estate and always celebrated major construction milestones like roofing with a good meal for his workers. Yu Fei then confessed that she had applied for "New Golden Age of Spring and Autumn Period". She acknowledged it was the biggest Peking Opera project in a decade and unlikely she would be chosen due to the high caliber of participants, but she wanted the learning opportunity.
Bai Feili asked if she would choose his play, "Dream of the South", or "New Golden Age of Spring and Autumn Period" if selected. Yu Fei suggested they could both "get bigger and stronger," with him succeeding in "Dream of the South" and her making a splash in "New Golden Age of Spring and Autumn Period", becoming a renowned couple in the arts. Bai Feili then probed what would happen if they lost everything.
Yu Fei playfully responded that the world would simply lose an excellent female senior male roles actress, and she would then settle down with him, becoming a wife and mother. Bai Feili joked about such a talent being wasted, to which Yu Fei agreed. Bai Feili met with his lawyer, Mr. Zhang, to understand Shang & Shan Group's situation. Mr. Zhang explained that Bai Juyuan had been keen on investing in heavy asset projects.
He had partnered with Lou Shitang on a mining development project in Russia, establishing a new company with Zeng Qiu as the legal representative. Unbeknownst to Bai Juyuan, Lou Shitang and Zeng Qiu were colluding. Bai Juyuan had committed most of Shang & Shan's assets and cash to this new company, freezing the funds to quickly secure the project. However, Lou Shitang betrayed him, switching partners during Shang & Shan's cash flow crisis.
In desperation to alleviate the crisis, Bai Juyuan resorted to illegal fundraising. Mr. Zhang reassured Bai Feili that he would do everything possible to help his father. While practicing, Yu Fei was stopped by Dao Ge, who insisted she join him for a dinner. She initially refused due to her practice schedule, but Dao Ge enticed her by mentioning it involved "New Golden Age of Spring and Autumn Period". Yu Fei reluctantly agreed, asking him to be quick.
At the dinner, Lou Shitang welcomed Yu Fei and introduced her to his long-time friend, Mr. Nan Huaiming. Lou Shitang praised Yu Fei as a rare talent in senior male roles and asked her to perform for the guests. Yu Fei agreed and sang a piece. After her performance, Mr. Nan excused himself, citing other commitments.
When Yu Fei also tried to leave for her rehearsals, Lou Shitang stopped her, presenting her with a precious plume from Meng Xiaodong's Peking Opera helmet, suggesting it would help her rise in her career. Despite Yu Fei's protests that the gift was too valuable, Lou Shitang insisted she keep it, saying she could return it later if she wished. Dao Ge then drove her back in a luxurious car, gloating about her improved ride.
Yu Fei met with Bai Feili, apologizing for being late and explaining she had been with Lou Shitang, who had discussed "New Golden Age of Spring and Autumn Period" with her. Bai Feili noted their growing closeness, expressing his apparent displeasure. Yu Fei then excitedly told Bai Feili that she had received an interview invitation for "New Golden Age of Spring and Autumn Period".
Bai Feili offered a somewhat insincere "Congratulations" before walking away, leaving Yu Fei behind and expressing a silent thought, "Are you not going to take me on the road ahead?" Later, Bai Feili recalled a previous conversation with Ni Lin, Yu Fei's uncle. Ni Lin had apologized for a past incident and then urged Bai Feili to support Yu Fei.
He revealed that Yu Fei had received an interview invitation for "New Golden Age of Spring and Autumn Period" and would require full-time training if she passed. He stressed that Yu Fei would undoubtedly choose Bai Feili's play over "New Golden Age of Spring and Autumn Period" if forced to decide. Ni Lin implored Bai Feili not to stand in her way, highlighting her many years of dedication to Peking Opera and how this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
During a rehearsal, a colleague noted Yu Fei's distracted state and her fall during practice, giving her some Safflower Oil. Yu Fei’s rehearsal schedule for "Dream of the South 2" was moved, clashing with her "New Golden Age of Spring and Autumn Period" training, and she was reminded of the studio's rules against personal matters affecting work. Dao Ge eventually dragged a preoccupied Yu Fei out fishing, remarking on her previous tardiness at his dinner.
He noticed her distraction and suspected trouble with Bai Feili. Yu Fei admitted she hadn't argued with Bai Feili but felt overwhelmed trying to balance her "New Golden Age of Spring and Autumn Period" interview preparations with "Dream of the South 2" rehearsals, constantly delaying Bai Feili's work. Dao Ge opined that such a situation implied she prioritized Bai Feili's work over her own and criticized relationships where one partner is selfish and the other silently sacrifices.
Yu Fei defended Bai Feili, suggesting he might be struggling with something personal or having difficult rehearsals, and not sharing it with her. Dao Ge called this "cold violence," equally selfish. Yu Fei accused Dao Ge, whose real name is Wang Zhongqiang, of wanting them to break up. Dao Ge then described their relationship as "tangled loaches," illustrating it with a hand gesture he comically misinterpreted as meaning "good luck." He concluded by advising Yu Fei that while loving someone means accepting their flaws, it doesn't mean bottling up feelings or avoiding discussions.
