The Silence of the Monster Episode 31 Recap
> The Silence of the Monster Recap
Luo Bin informed Granny Mi that Roger, his friend and a reliable appraiser, was now looking after the shop, and any issues should be directed to Luo Bin himself. Granny Mi expressed her hope for reconciliation between Luo Bin and He Chufeng, but Luo Bin felt helpless, admitting he didn't know how to bridge the gap.
He explained that he had always known the truth about Chunian's death and He Chufeng's ongoing pain, but couldn't bring himself to reveal that his biological father, Zhao Chengqiu, was the doctor who issued Chunian's fake medical certificate, which prevented her from receiving active treatment and ultimately led to her suicide.
He pondered how he could possibly tell He Chufeng that his own father, Zhao Chengqiu, issued the fake certificate, or worse, suggest that He Chufeng's father was the real culprit for forcing Zhao Chengqiu. Luo Bin had thought countless times about contacting He Chufeng to express his guilt but hadn't dared. He felt it was fate when he coincidentally met He Chufeng again, viewing it as a divine instruction to make amends.
Fearing He Chufeng might succumb to despair like Chunian, Luo Bin had invited him to live together, doing everything he could to compensate him. He acknowledged an initial element of pity, but clarified that through their time together, He Chufeng had become his true brother and friend. He genuinely felt happy seeing He Chufeng smile and finding love with Sui Yi. Granny Mi sighed, believing that they needed time, and that fated individuals would eventually reunite.
He Chufeng later encountered Wang Wenxin, who excitedly shared that he had married Li Yun, affectionately called Yun. Wang Wenxin thanked He Chufeng and Luo Bin for their past guidance, crediting Luo Bin's advice to "do what you want and don't hesitate" for his courage to take Li Yun to see the aurora.
Noticing He Chufeng was alone, Wang Wenxin inquired about Luo Bin, then promised to visit the shop to thank Luo Bin directly, calling them his and Li Yun's matchmakers. That evening, Sui Yi, having gone out of her way to buy sweet dumplings, told He Chufeng they should eat them on Kitchen God's Day for peace and reunion.
He Chufeng wondered if some places ate malt sugar, which Sui Yi had never tried, so he promised to get her some next year. After their meal, He Chufeng insisted on washing the dishes, saying girls shouldn't. Meanwhile, Luo Bin spoke with Fang Qi, who told him she didn't need him to explain his actions, as everyone has their own reasons. Luo Bin asked about her father, how she was settling back home, and about her fiancé, Cheng Wen.
Fang Qi stated that her home had nothing to do with Cheng Wen and that "who he is has nothing to do with me." She further explained that without Luo Bin at the vintage shop, there was no reason for her to stay there either. Luo Bin then accompanied Fang Qi to her house.
Fang Qi admitted she felt unfamiliar with her own home, pointing out misplaced items like a printer in the kitchen and a coffee machine in the bathroom. She lamented finding no family photos and that no one had looked for her when she went missing and lost her memory, leading her to believe she must have been unpleasant in the past.
She told Luo Bin he was different from He Chufeng, and that he, He Chufeng, and Sui Yi were admirable friends who would surely reconcile. Turning to Cheng Wen, she expressed her dislike for him, noting no photos of them together and only replying to his work messages.
She declared that regardless of whether she was the "remembering Fang Qi" or the "amnesiac An," she would not marry Cheng Wen because she did not love him; she only wanted to be with the person she loved. After Luo Bin briefly kissed her, Fang Qi questioned his hesitation, suggesting that in such moments, the man should be more proactive. Luo Bin then took the initiative to deepen the kiss. Later, Sui Yi observed He Chufeng's low spirits.
She spoke to him about Luo Bin, acknowledging she didn't fully understand his intentions and wasn't defending him, but she pointed out his sensitive and meticulous nature, his cautiousness around He Chufeng, and his tendency to always defend him. She refuted the idea that Luo Bin's kindness was merely compensation, asserting that genuine feelings could not be faked for long.
He Chufeng, still vulnerable, asked if Sui Yi would also leave him one day, expressing his fear of bringing misfortune to others. Sui Yi playfully teased him for trying to "chase her away" before reassuring him that she would always be by his side, ready to face any problems together. In early spring, Sui Yi prepared to go home for the New Year, giving He Chufeng numerous instructions.
He Chufeng, putting on a brave face, assured her he would be fine alone. Sui Yi reminded him to tell her mother about her special gift and promised to call him if he got bored on the bus. Around the same time, Granny Mi entrusted the vintage shop to He Chufeng, explaining that she would be away for a while to fulfill a thirty-year-old pact with her late husband, Grandpa Mi, to travel and experience many things.
She encouraged He Chufeng to follow his heart. He Chufeng later went to see Gu Nan but couldn't find him. Jia Xiaoguo, an officer, approached He Chufeng, asking if he had seen Gu Nan. She informed him about a recent murder case where the deceased had close ties to Gu Nan. Jia Xiaoguo revealed that Gu Nan had vanished without a trace, abandoning his job and salary, and asked if He Chufeng had any information.
He Chufeng confirmed their last meeting was five days prior, during which they practiced lock-picking, and Gu Nan had been emotional but hadn't revealed any plans. Jia Xiaoguo urged He Chufeng to report any new leads immediately and, before leaving, reiterated her trust in him, imploring him not to do anything "bad." Fang Qi joined her family for a New Year's dinner.
She attempted to tell her father about her recent disappearance, but he was preoccupied with a business call and seemed unaware and indifferent to her ordeal, which deeply disappointed her. Her father discussed giving the critical California shipping route to Cheng Wen once he married Fang Qi, praising Cheng Wen's experience in Canada. Cheng Wen, despite feigning modesty, accepted the offer, and Fang Qi's father promised to hasten their wedding. Luo Bin spent New Year's with his own family.
His younger brother, eager for a limited edition Lego set, received a red envelope from his stepfather, Lu Chengli, as did Luo Bin, though Luo Bin initially declined before his mother insisted he accept it. The brother then convinced Luo Bin to give him his red envelope to buy the Lego set. As his family laughed and bickered playfully, Luo Bin felt a sense of isolation.
His mother, seizing the opportunity, explained her past to Luo Bin: she and Lu Chengli were junior high classmates but lost touch. She then met Luo Bin's biological father, Zhao Chengqiu, and had Luo Bin, but their relationship didn't last as Zhao Chengqiu prioritized his career, leading to a peaceful separation. She later reconnected with Lu Chengli, and they fell deeply in love.
She acknowledged Luo Bin's discomfort at home but assured him that Lu Chengli also felt a sense of responsibility and treated Luo Bin as his own son, always respecting his decisions. During this family gathering, Luo Bin silently pulled out his phone, scrolled to He Chufeng's contact, but hesitated and did not make the call. He Chufeng ate his New Year's Eve dinner alone.
At the stroke of midnight, Sui Yi called to wish him a Happy New Year amidst her own family's celebration. He Chufeng looked out at the falling snow, hoping it would bring a good year. A flashback showed a younger He Chufeng leaving a hospital with antidepressants. On the street, he encountered a stray cat, "Qiuqiu," and pondered if the cat, like him, was homeless and struggling to survive. Living, he reflected, was incredibly difficult. It was then that Luo Bin appeared, calling his name and inviting him for a drink, sensing He Chufeng needed companionship. In that moment, Luo Bin became He Chufeng's light.
