The Secret of Love Episode 23 Recap
> The Secret of Love Recap
Zheng He, having discovered that Su Yi suspected his father, Zheng Yi, and had arranged a meeting with him without his knowledge, angrily confronted Su Yi on the set. He accused her of lying and betrayal, reminding her that he considered her family and demanding to know why she didn't trust him enough to ask him directly about his father.
Zheng He pressed her to return and provide a full statement to the police, disclosing everything she knew about the car accident, emphasizing that her quest for truth had already caused others pain. Li Jiashang, who had been attempting to reach Zheng He by phone, arrived and intervened, asking Su Yi to leave so he could speak with Zheng He alone. After Su Yi departed, Zheng He, still enraged, punched Li Jiashang.
Li Jiashang calmly explained that it was his decision to keep Zheng He in the dark, fearing he would be devastated to learn of Zheng Yi's potential involvement in the car accident. He reassured Zheng He that Su Yi had done nothing to harm Zheng Yi and had wanted to tell him, but the unfortunate incident with Zheng Yi made it even harder. Unconvinced by these reasons and desiring solitude, Zheng He dismissed Li Jiashang.
Later, as filming wrapped up successfully, Su Xiangtai asked Su Yi about her conversation with Zheng He, but she deflected, instead praising Su Xiangtai's good acting. Romany, visibly jealous of Su Xiangtai's rapport with Xiatian, announced that their driver was on the way. She then twisted her ankle, prompting Su Xiangtai's concern, and asked Su Yi to settle a bar bill. Su Yi, after a shared glance with Li Jiashang, agreed.
When Su Yi returned from the bar, she found only Li Jiashang waiting. He told her the others had already left for the hotel because of the check-in deadline and suggested they go together to check a filming location, assuring her that Zheng Yi's case was settled and he would handle Zheng He. Meanwhile, at the hotel, Romany encountered issues checking in without identification.
In the car, Li Jiashang teased Su Yi about finding it difficult to spend time alone with him, noting that many exes remain friends. Su Yi experienced stomach pain, and though Li Jiashang offered to go back for her medicine, she insisted on prioritizing work. She then remembered she was carrying everyone's IDs, crucial for hotel check-in.
She asked Li Jiashang to stop the car, intending to take a taxi back with the IDs while he continued to the filming location to avoid further delays. Upon Su Yi's return to the hotel, Romany expressed concern about Li Jiashang's whereabouts, explaining to Su Yi that Li Jiashang had gone out to spend time with her and that his rental car lacked a working GPS, making it easy to get lost in the mountains.
Worried, Su Yi borrowed a production car to search for Li Jiashang. Her car soon broke down, and she discovered Li Jiashang's abandoned car. With her phone dead and no signal, she searched on foot with a flashlight, finding a bloody rag that instilled fear for his safety. Meanwhile, back at the hotel, Zheng He grew increasingly anxious as an hour passed with no sign of Su Yi or Li Jiashang.
A news report about a car crash on Kumquat Island's mountain roads, though specifying older victims, added to the tension. Su Xiangtai attempted to console Zheng He, explaining Su Yi's guilt regarding his father and his belief that Zheng Yi was merely safeguarding a secret. Unable to wait any longer, Zheng He resolved to search for them himself. Su Yi, crying in despair and fearing the loss of another loved one, was overwhelmed with relief when Li Jiashang finally appeared.
She embraced and kissed him, confessing that she didn't want to lose him and that breaking up with him had also caused her immense pain. Li Jiashang explained he had injured his leg climbing a tree for berries. With both their cars broken down and phones dead, they realized they were stranded. Li Jiashang, recalling summer camp survival skills, fashioned a temporary shelter. Su Yi carefully cleaned his wound, despite his playful protests about conserving water.
As darkness fully enveloped them, Su Yi, fearful of the dark, asked Li Jiashang to build a fire. He admitted his fear of fire, leading to a playful argument about their respective phobias. Li Jiashang then activated fairy lights he had brought, offering some comfort. When Su Yi mentioned hunger and a desire for grilled fish, Li Jiashang playfully accused her of trying to make him overcome his fear.
Their lighthearted banter was cut short by a sudden downpour, forcing them into their makeshift shelter. Inside, Li Jiashang confessed that he never truly intended to separate from her and couldn't let go of her in his heart, promising to always hold her hand. Back at the hotel, a distraught Zheng He worried about their absence.
Romany offered him comfort, assuring him that "no news is good news" and that they were likely just lost on the island and would be found in the morning. She fondly recounted a childhood memory of Li Jiashang taking the blame for Zheng He accidentally breaking his grandfather's antique vase, enduring punishment without hesitation.
Romany emphasized that their twenty-year friendship required nurturing and urged Zheng He to consider the pressure Li Jiashang was under, explaining that he too had wanted to tell Zheng He everything but feared his reaction. Still looking out into the night, Zheng He silently vowed to forgive them if they returned safely.
