Smile to Life Episode 23 Recap
> Smile to Life Recap
Jiang Nan confronted Gu Jiayi about her assistant's arm injury, which he previously believed was a glass scratch but now appeared to be a cigarette burn. He accused Gu Jiayi of being ruthless to those around her, especially for attempting to cover up evidence by altering the wound. Gu Jiayi denied his accusations, insisting he had no proof, but Jiang Nan retorted that she knew what she had done.
After Jiang Nan left, Gu Jiayi's assistant revealed that Liang Zhe had helped her disguise the injury, fearing it would expose them. The assistant urged Gu Jiayi to accept their fate, as they were under Liang Zhe's control. Disturbed by Gu Jiayi's cunning, Jiang Nan returned home and shared his findings with Xu Duocheng. Xu Duocheng had already suspected Gu Jiayi's involvement and had sensed Jiang Nan's distrust when he first questioned her about the incident.
She comforted him, suggesting that the situation, despite its negativity, had inadvertently highlighted He Jia Huan's quality and provided free publicity. She reminded him to embrace optimism and let go of what couldn't be changed, urging him to focus on their upcoming celebration at He Jia Huan. At He Jia Huan, Xu Daqiang hosted a celebratory dinner, expressing gratitude for everyone's help in clearing the restaurant's name, especially acknowledging Zhan Zhilin and Jiang Nan.
Xu Duocheng's mother even joked about wishing Xu Duocheng had a sister for Zhan Zhilin. Zhan Zhilin, in turn, advised Jiang Nan to treat Xu Duocheng well. Xu Duocheng's brother, Dalin, feeling protective, was unhappy with Zhan Zhilin's comment and challenged Jiang Nan to prove his intentions. In a sudden yet heartfelt moment, Jiang Nan declared his intention to marry Xu Duocheng, surprising everyone present.
He formally asked Xu Duocheng's parents for their blessing, which they happily granted, only wishing for their daughter's happiness. Later, Xu Duocheng thanked Jiang Nan for making her parents happy. Jiang Nan clarified that his proposal was for their future together, not just to please her parents. When Xu Duocheng questioned if he had truly thought it through, mentioning her worsening ALS condition—her hands becoming malformed, her eventual reliance on a wheelchair, and becoming completely bedridden—Jiang Nan reaffirmed his commitment.
He told her he was fully aware of her prognosis and still wished to be by her side. Retrieving a ring that Xu Duocheng had previously discarded, he knelt and formally proposed, saying he would always find his way back to her, just as he had found her as the most important person in his life. Xu Duocheng, deeply touched, accepted, albeit playfully remarking that the ring was "ugly."
Jiang Nan shared his plans to thank Xu Duocheng if he won "Cool Singing Producer" and suggested they visit his mother, Caiyun, in the countryside to tell her about their engagement. Xu Duocheng excitedly shared the news of her upcoming marriage with Keqin. Keqin then met Zhu Linfeng, hinting at a new romantic interest, a "god" she'd met online who shared her artistic tastes. She showcased "his" photography, which Zhu Linfeng recognized as his own.
He subtly tried to distance himself by claiming he no longer liked those artists, but Keqin saw through his pretense, realizing he was the "online god" she admired. Jiang Nan and Xu Duocheng visited Caiyun, who had significantly recovered and was now able to recognize them. Caiyun warmly welcomed Xu Duocheng, inviting her to call her "Mom." Their visit was interrupted by a news report on TV that exposed Xu Duocheng's ALS, describing her as Jiang Nan's "terminally ill girlfriend."
Caiyun was shocked and concerned, asking Xu Duocheng if the news was true. Jiang Nan confirmed it, reiterating his resolve to marry Xu Duocheng and spend every day with her. Caiyun tearfully embraced Xu Duocheng, assuring her of her support. She shared her deep regret over not being able to properly care for Jiang Nan's father when he was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, hoping that Jiang Nan and Xu Duocheng would not suffer the same fate.
She then gifted Xu Duocheng a cherished family heirloom, her own wedding dowry, as a blessing for their enduring happiness. Meanwhile, Jiang Nan contacted Bao Rui via phone call to withdraw from "Cool Singing Producer," furious that Alex had exploited Xu Duocheng's illness as a major selling point for the show. Despite Bao Rui's concerns about potential breach of contract lawsuits, Jiang Nan declared he would bear all consequences, refusing to compromise when Xu Duocheng was being hurt.
Upon returning home, Xu Duocheng's parents had also seen the news. Her mother tearfully asked if it was true, and Xu Daqiang, in disbelief, inquired about her hand injury, hoping it wasn't related to the illness. Xu Duocheng tearfully confessed that the news was true and she had ALS, and had been undergoing treatment for six months without telling them.
Her parents were devastated and angered by her secrecy, with Xu Daqiang feeling like a negligent father for not knowing his daughter's severe condition. He insisted on taking her to Beijing for treatment, having researched that ALS had a one percent chance of cure, hoping she would be that one percent. Xu Duocheng gently reminded them that ALS was generally considered incurable, which only deepened her father's despair.
Xu Duocheng's mother encouraged her to move back home, which Xu Duocheng agreed to, wanting to spend more time with them. While packing, she felt a pang of sadness about leaving her current home, but Jiang Nan reassured her that her room would always be waiting. Keqin arrived, upset that Xu Duocheng had hidden her illness and ignored her calls.
Xu Duocheng apologized, explaining she had turned off her phone due to the media frenzy and didn't want to show her vulnerable side. Keqin, however, promised to be her unwavering support, her "hands and legs," staying by her side no matter what. Xu Daqiang, having researched ALS online, was determined to sell everything to fund Xu Duocheng's treatment in Beijing, holding onto the slim hope of a one percent cure rate.
Zhan Zhilin messaged Jiang Nan, offering assistance to comfort Xu Duocheng's parents and reflecting on how Xu Duocheng's illness was no longer a secret, pondering if she would still need his protection. Xu Duocheng's mother, despite her tears, assured her daughter that they would be her strongest support system, which also deeply saddened Xu Duocheng. Gu Jiayi, upon learning of Xu Duocheng's terminal illness, saw a renewed glimmer of hope.
Her assistant suggested leveraging Jiang Nan's fanbase through the media to pressure Xu Duocheng into leaving him. Xu Duocheng went to the piano school to resign, thanking Zhan Zhilin for his past help. She explained her inability to continue teaching due to her condition, despite the manager and Zhan Zhilin's attempts to convince her to stay by teaching verbally. As Xu Duocheng and Zhan Zhilin were leaving, Gu Jiayi arrived with a group of reporters.
The reporters aggressively questioned Xu Duocheng about her illness, asking if it would burden Jiang Nan and if she still considered herself a suitable match for him. Jiang Nan swiftly intervened, declaring his withdrawal from "Cool Singing Producer" and stating that Xu Duocheng would not attend the finals. He firmly told the reporters that regardless of any physical changes due to her ALS, Xu Duocheng would always be the most beautiful woman in his heart, and their relationship was private. He highlighted that with treatment, ALS patients could live for many years, and even if she were to pass, their memories would sustain him to live a good life.
