The Lion's Secret Episode 26 Recap
> The Lion's Secret Recap
Upon returning home from Bazhen, Mu Wanqing went upstairs to her mother, attempting to smooth things over, but found herself facing her mother's palpable wrath. Her mother vehemently expressed concern over Liu Qing's identity, insisting that his profession put Mu Wanqing in constant danger, citing past kidnappings and the recent events in Bazhen. Mu Wanqing earnestly defended Liu Qing, clarifying that past incidents were malicious plots against him, and her visit to Bazhen was to manage her grandmother's charity school.
She emphasized that Liu Qing's timely intervention in Bazhen had, in fact, saved her life. However, her mother dismissed her explanations as "sheer nonsense," refusing to listen and adamantly forbidding Mu Wanqing from continuing her relationship with a man whose life seemingly attracted so much peril. Liu Qing, overhearing the tense exchange, understood the depth of Mu Wanqing's mother's worries and did not take her harsh words personally.
Frustrated by her mother's stubbornness and Liu Qing's perceived lack of appreciation for her defense, Mu Wanqing asked Liu Qing to take her to Fu Jundie's martial arts club. During the drive, Liu Qing attempted to comfort Mu Wanqing, suggesting her mother's anxieties were natural and that Mu Wanqing's fervent defense of him only intensified her mother's distress.
At the club, Mu Wanqing poured out her heart to Fu Jundie, recounting the argument with her mother and Liu Qing's surprisingly "ungrateful" response—his defense of her mother that left Mu Wanqing feeling caught in the middle. Fu Jundie, however, subtly highlighted Mu Wanqing's growing affection for Liu Qing and explained that Liu Qing was likely trying to spare Mu Wanqing further embarrassment while respecting her mother's feelings. She promised to speak with Mu Wanqing's mother later.
Their conversation was interrupted by a noise from upstairs, explicitly from Fu Jundie's room. Though Fu Jundie quickly dismissed it as an object falling due to her uncleaned room, Mu Wanqing, sensing a hidden presence, made an excuse about "someone being impatient" and left. After Mu Wanqing departed, Fu Jundie confronted Lei Shuo, who had been hiding in her room, for his carelessness.
Lei Shuo, unapologetic and lamenting Fu Jundie's refusal to stay at his place, questioned why their relationship needed to be kept secret from Mu Wanqing, of all people. Fu Jundie admitted feeling guilty that her accidental mention of the charity school to Mu Wanqing's mother had complicated Mu Wanqing's situation. Lei Shuo advised her to let Liu Qing and Mu Wanqing resolve their own issues.
Driven by a persistent suspicion that Li Mo might still be alive, Liu Qing visited Li Yuting. He subtly inquired if she had received any strange calls or messages. Li Yuting confirmed she hadn't, then light-heartedly asked Liu Qing if he would take her on a trip to Bazhen. Liu Qing then posed a hypothetical question: "If your brother was still alive, where do you think he would be right now?"
Li Yuting, clearly irked by the thought, declared that if Li Mo were indeed alive but hadn't contacted her, she would "kick his ass" when they next met. Their conversation, however, was secretly observed and photographed by an unknown person. Later, determined to make Liu Qing happy, Mu Wanqing sought assistance from Xiao Gua to learn how to cook, specifically preparing a pot of chicken soup.
Over the phone, Fu Jundie jokingly encouraged her, advising that "the worse you cook it, the more he can eat it," implying it would be a testament to his love. When Liu Qing returned home, he was genuinely touched by Mu Wanqing's effort. After tasting a spoonful, he declared it "good" and then, with a mischievous grin, asked if she had made it just for him.
When she affirmed, he playfully insisted on consuming the entire pot himself, leaving Mu Wanqing convinced of her newfound culinary talent. That evening, while they watched a movie, Liu Qing’s discomfort became apparent. He excused himself to the bathroom, where he painfully vomited the incredibly salty chicken soup, attempting to conceal his distress from Mu Wanqing. Despite his pale appearance, he downplayed her concerns, blaming it on being "unacclimatized."
Mu Wanqing, however, later tasted the remaining soup in the kitchen, realizing it was unpalatably salty, and felt a pang of sympathy for Liu Qing's stoic endurance. She called Fu Jundie, lamenting that Liu Qing had, indeed, drunk the entire, awful pot, confirming Fu Jundie's cynical prediction. The following day, Liu Qing consulted Lei Shuo about Mu Wanqing’s recent, enthusiastic displays of affection since their return from Bazhen.
While pleased, Liu Qing admitted to deep worries that the unresolved conflicts from Bazhen and his persistent suspicion of Li Mo's survival could still pose a threat to Mu Wanqing. Lei Shuo inquired if Mu Wanqing was aware of his concerns. Later, in an attempt to provoke Liu Qing, Mu Wanqing dressed elaborately and announced she was going out with Feng Cong for dinner.
Liu Qing initially maintained a facade of calmness, but after she left, he rushed to the martial arts club, bursting into Fu Jundie's room where Lei Shuo was training. Lei Shuo, amused by Liu Qing's obvious distress, taunted him about his "hypocritical" behavior of ignoring Mu Wanqing's affections while also preventing others from approaching her. He then proposed a bold plan.
Despite Liu Qing's hesitation, Fu Jundie interjected, sending him Mu Wanqing's current location and urging him to act decisively, threatening to make him "suffer" if he didn't treat Mu Wanqing well after making his decision. Lei Shuo also encouraged Liu Qing to go after her. Mu Wanqing waited anxiously on the rooftop, hoping Liu Qing would join her. However, Liu Qing remained downstairs, consumed by fears that his past would continue to endanger her.
After a prolonged internal conflict, he ultimately chose not to go up, and Mu Wanqing watched his retreating figure, deeply disappointed. Back home later, she confronted him, asking if he had gone out. Liu Qing lied, claiming he had been playing games all afternoon without moving from his spot. Distraught by his continued emotional distance, Mu Wanqing sought solace and advice from Fu Jundie. Fu Jundie, sensing Mu Wanqing needed a more direct approach, encouraged her to be more assertive.
Determined to help her friend, Fu Jundie then enlisted Lei Shuo's assistance to orchestrate a dramatic plan. That evening, Liu Qing returned home to a dark house, where a masked figure was sitting on the stairs. The figure then activated the television, displaying a live video of Mu Wanqing, tied up and helpless, with another masked individual standing over her. Overcome with dread for Mu Wanqing, Liu Qing accepted a hood offered by the masked figure and was led away.
When the hood was removed, he found himself facing Mu Wanqing, still bound, as a masked assailant aimed a gun at her. In a desperate plea, Liu Qing struggled fiercely, offering his own life in exchange for Mu Wanqing's safety, vehemently declaring that she was innocent. Just as he believed the worst was about to happen, the room was suddenly flooded with light, revealing Lei Shuo, Fu Jundie, and other friends, who burst into a chorus of "Happy Birthday."
Lei Shuo, grinning, explained that the elaborate "kidnapping" was a ruse, designed to force Liu Qing to openly express his hidden feelings for Mu Wanqing, as he believed only such a shock could break through Liu Qing's emotional barriers. He also revealed that Mu Wanqing initially resisted the extreme plan but agreed, understanding its potential to foster honesty in their relationship. The event was also a surprise birthday celebration for Liu Qing.
Though initially angry at the deception, Liu Qing soon understood the underlying intent. The group then tactfully withdrew, leaving Liu Qing and Mu Wanqing alone. Alone with Liu Qing, Mu Wanqing, despite his solemn expression, bravely confessed her feelings. She admitted her flaws – her lack of cooking skills, her inability to do housework or care for others, and her notoriously bad temper – yet she yearned for an honest and beautiful marriage, just like any other woman.
She expressed deep regret for not cherishing their early days together but was immensely grateful that Liu Qing "never gave up on me, not once," especially after they had faced life-and-death situations and shared numerous happy moments. With unwavering conviction, she proposed that this very day mark a new beginning for their marriage. Overwhelmed by her heartfelt declaration, Liu Qing could no longer suppress his emotions. He simply responded, "Yes," and embraced her tightly, finally reciprocating her affections and transforming their relationship into a genuine, loving partnership.
