Out Of The Dream Episode 22 Recap
> Out Of The Dream Recap
In the rehearsal room, the atmosphere was strict as Mr. Nan dismissed a student for singing off-key due to a cold. Later, Mr. Nan criticized Li Shaoyan for becoming arrogant after a trip to Vienna and making him do an “Upside down” punishment for half an hour. Other students reminded Yu Fei that the role of Wu Zixu was reserved for Li Shaoyan, and she was merely a practice partner.
Despite this, Yu Fei remained in the room, even while changing clothes, eager to observe and learn from Mr. Nan's guidance to Li Shaoyan, embracing any perceived "shamelessness" if it meant acquiring more skills. She confidently revealed that her rendition of "A round of moon" incorporated the unique characteristics of the Yu school, specifically to surpass Li Shaoyan.
Li Shaoyan, acknowledging her sincerity, cautioned Yu Fei that not everyone was naturally talented like Master Yu, who was "God is feeding you," suggesting she consider a different role rather than wasting time on Wu Zixu. Unfazed, Yu Fei demanded the key to the rehearsal room, declaring her commitment to be the first to arrive and the last to leave each day.
She explained that unlike him, who seemed to effortlessly achieve success, she had to relentlessly pursue her goals, aiming only to stand on that stage. Impressed by her resolve, Li Shaoyan gave her the key, warning her that he would no longer go easy on her and she shouldn't cry if she eventually lost. Later that night, Mr. Nan passed by the rehearsal room and smiled with satisfaction upon seeing Yu Fei still diligently practicing alone.
It was already 1:30 AM when Brother Dao arrived, concerned for Yu Fei's safety after Da Die told him where she was. He found her still in the training room and took her to a river to fish, urging her to balance work and rest, noting that "more haste, less speed" can be counterproductive. Yu Fei, however, was resolute, stating that this time, it was "success or death."
Brother Dao nearly mentioned her recent breakup, but Yu Fei quickly interrupted him. Just then, Da Die called Brother Dao, her voice amplified, excitedly sharing the latest entertainment news: Bai Feili and Lingjiu's alleged romance had been exposed in a music video. She criticized Yu Fei's past choice in men. Brother Dao tried to dismiss the rumors as "fake couples" and a staged act, attempting to comfort Yu Fei by telling her she didn't always have to be strong.
Yu Fei, however, expressed deep frustration, questioning why everyone kept reminding her of her pain and how long a "mourning period" for a relationship was considered appropriate. As she tried to leave, she stumbled and fell, then fiercely told Brother Dao not to approach or comfort her, feeling utterly embarrassed and wanting to handle her sorrow alone.
Internally, Brother Dao, whose real name was Wang Zhongqiang, silently wished he could be an astronomer, not to understand her heart, but to make her wishes come true by landing a meteor, revealing his deep, unexpressed affection. Meanwhile, Guan Jiu was furious after seeing online rumors of Lingjiu and Bai Feili, particularly how it was portrayed as flirting when Lingjiu had "thrown herself on" Bai Feili. She prepared to issue a clarification and a lawyer's letter.
Bai Feili, however, calmly instructed her not to, explaining that he did not need clarification or a lawyer's letter. Guan Jiu was bewildered, pointing out that while she accepted Lingjiu replacing Liu Xichan for the important show, this method of publicity was unnecessary. Bai Feili clarified his strategy: he intended to attract not only existing fans but also those unaware, disinterested, or even prejudiced against Chinoiserie stage plays.
He believed that if these new audiences simply sat down, and the lights dimmed and the curtain rose, they would have a chance to witness the magic of ancient stage drama, making it all worthwhile. He added that the play would also be featured on a New Year's Eve party, aiming for success beyond expectations. The creative team was struggling with Lingjiu's demands.
Her agency had submitted an extensive list of suggestions, thicker than the original script, requiring changes even to scenes where Liu Xichan didn't appear. They also insisted on altering the musical score to include Lingjiu's new retro disco single, which the arranger found completely inappropriate for the stage play. Lingjiu herself approached Hao Shi, demanding to try on Liu Xichan's costume and have it altered to her size.
Exasperated, Hao Shi took the costume (which Yu Fei had worn) and defiantly cut it, promising to make a brand-new one. He then sternly warned Lingjiu to "stop it" and "not cross the line," reminding her that Jiubai (the studio) belonged to everyone, not just Bai Feili, who was currently ignoring her deliberate publicity stunts. Guan Jiu, witnessing the scene, praised Hao Shi for his strong "personality," much to his delight.
Later, with an injured foot and no orthopedic clinic nearby, Yu Fei sought help from her father, Yu Qing. He treated her foot, reassuring her that the pain would lessen and the swelling would go down, though she would need to endure some discomfort and rest for a while. He prepared scaphium scaphigerum for her throat and protective gear. He then presented her with a savings passbook, a legacy from her late mother, Yan Peishan.
Yu Qing revealed that before her passing, Yan Peishan had sold all her valuables and secretly arranged with shop owners that the expensive bird's nest and cheongsams she had pushed Yu Fei to buy were refundable. He also showed Yu Fei that every penny she had sent her mother was still untouched in the account.
A flood of memories returned to Yu Fei, including a phone call where her mother, seemingly cold, dismissed Yu Fei's pride in her first performance as a "little maid" and the small payment, demanding she remit the money and refusing to buy her new clothes. Overwhelmed, Yu Fei broke down in tears.
Yu Qing explained that her mother, though becoming a parent before she was fully ready, had done her utmost to plan for Yu Fei, knowing her stubborn nature would lead to difficulties. Yan Peishan had entrusted the passbook to him, asking him to help Yu Fei in her absence. Yu Qing, expressing regret, apologized to both Yu Fei and her mother.
He emphasized that despite Yan Peishan's own feelings of failure, she was not a failed mother, as she had dedicated her life to protecting Yu Fei. He also mentioned that the osmanthus bracelet Yu Fei cherished symbolized "companionship of lovers," implying its deeper significance to her mother. Yu Fei, realizing the depth of her mother's love, finally understood the true meaning of the bracelet she once thought her mother had just bought casually.
Sitting on the grass later, Brother Dao brought Yu Fei special glasses for stargazing. Despite there being no visible stars that night, he assured her he arrived just in time, truly living up to his "versatile Dao" moniker. Yu Fei, in a poignant internal monologue, admitted that for a long time, she had wished her mother wasn't her mother. Yet, after her passing, her mother's presence felt stronger, a constant push, like a voice telling her not to get complacent.
She felt perpetually running a race she couldn't finish, finally realizing that even mother and daughter might never truly understand each other completely. Crying, she confessed how tiring it was to be her daughter but pleaded with her mother to watch over her forever, vowing to live a decent life. Separately, Bai Feili was on the phone, discussing collecting evidence and finalizing contracts, indicating ongoing complex business matters.
In his own private thoughts, Bai Feili reflected on a deep sense of loneliness and a feeling of always sinking, until someone had called him "lion," giving him a sense of purpose and direction, making him want to love with all his being despite his imperfections.
Back at the studio, Mr. Nan summoned Yu Fei to discuss the upcoming casting for the A and B roles of "Golden Age of Spring and Autumn Period," which meant the start of ticket sales and promotion. He informed her that the investors had secured a spot on "Talking Stage," a popular online variety show, for a "cultural hedge" segment, and they needed a representative.
Li Shaoyan had refused, citing his Beijing opera family background and their status as renowned celebrities, deeming such a show "not a decent thing" and refusing to be a "performing monkey." Yu Fei asked if he believed she was more suitable. Mr. Nan revealed that her friend, Lou Shitang, had specifically requested her. He admitted his initial bias against Yu Fei, recalling their first less-than-ideal meeting.
However, he had chosen her during casting because of her "good foundation" and her potential as a "malleable talent." He also confessed his initial intention was to use her "stubborn" nature to "kindle a spark on" the pampered Li Shaoyan, pushing him to be more competitive. Mr. Nan then acknowledged that his observations had proven Yu Fei to be a "formidable character," now a strong contender for "The A-role of Wu Zixu."
He warned her that participating in such a show might lead to criticism from the traditional opera circles, who are "well-regulated" and might view it as "eager for fame" or "showing off." Yu Fei accepted the challenge, powerfully arguing that for Beijing opera to survive and thrive, it must adapt and change, just as historical reforms had allowed it to flourish. She insisted that the art should not be held "high above our heads" if it meant alienating younger generations.
If this opportunity could help more young people appreciate and accept Beijing opera, then it was a worthwhile endeavor. Mr. Nan, visibly impressed by her impassioned speech and "rebellious spirit," instructed her to channel that energy onto the stage. He praised her unexpected eloquence and urged her to perform well, bringing honor to the traditional opera circle. He ended with a gentle reminder about her foot injury, cautioning her not to overexert herself and risk missing further training.
