The Starry Night, The Starry Sea Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> The Starry Night, The Starry Sea

The Starry Night, The Starry Sea Synopsis

Shen Luo, an ordinary girl with a dream, returns to a quiet island life away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

By chance, she rescues a man named Wu Julan, who is a merman, a higher life form from the sea with a completely different evolutionary direction from humans.

With his extraordinary ability and wisdom, he helps Shen Luo to overcome the crisis again and again, which attracts Shen Luo deeply.

They go from mutual understanding to mutual trust and finally developed a deep affection.

As Shen Luo had a merman’s spirit pearl in her body, it aroused An Zuo’s covetousness and wanted the pearl to save her adoptive father.

When An Zuo kidnapped Shen Luo, Wu Julan arrived in time and rescued her.

Knowing the truth about the pearl, Shen Luo wanted Wu Julan to be alive, so she wants to return the pearl to Wu Julan with true love’s kiss, but Wu Julan refuses. He then jumps into the sea, and Shen Luo follows him.

The spirit pearl emits a slight blue glow and Wu Julan’s tears turn into pearls, which Shen Luo holds in her hands and disappears into the vast ocean with Wu Julan…

The Starry Night, The Starry Sea Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

Under the moonlight, the god of death approached a man, lifting his scythe to claim his life. The man pleaded, "How can I avoid death?" The god of death responded, "Find a young woman who is willing to give up her life and spirit to you, then you can live on." The man then asked how he could compel a woman to make such a sacrifice.

The god of death explained, "You must win her heart and make her fall in love with you." When the man inquired how to win her heart, the god of death smiled faintly and said, "It's simple: give your heart in exchange for hers." In contemporary New York City, as dawn broke over the ocean, the sea churned violently, sending waves several meters high crashing ashore. From the tumultuous waters, a mysterious man emerged.

He had long, curly hair and unsettling blue eyes. Shortly after, the same cold and handsome Eastern man appeared on the city streets, gazing with a dazed expression at the towering buildings and bustling traffic. Soon, a vintage-style carriage, reminiscent of the Middle Ages, arrived to collect him. The carriage belonged to Violet, a witch. She brought the Eastern man to a lavish castle, where she humbly knelt before him.

The man, later revealed to be the Merman King, Regulus, unfazed by her deference, accepted her homage. Violet explained that her family’s mission was to protect the Merman King, a duty stemming from his assistance to their ancestors over a century ago, which had led to their family's prosperity. She informed him that much had changed in the world during the hundred and fifty years since he last walked among humans.

Regulus appeared despondent, stating that after over a thousand years of torment, he had no affection left for life. He recounted how, a hundred and fifty years prior, he had been poisoned by Mandala poison, leading to the theft of his spiritual pearl. Without it, his body had steadily weakened, leaving him with only three months to live. Violet, however, joyfully announced that she had located his spiritual pearl, which was why she had summoned him from the deep sea.

A flicker of hope ignited in Regulus's eyes. Meanwhile, Shen Luo, a bright and resilient young woman, carried deep-seated skepticism about love, viewing it as a mere excuse for men to reproduce and women to secure financial stability. This belief stemmed from her parents' divorce when she was five, after which they both remarried, leaving her to be raised by her grandfather.

Despite her cynicism, she worked at a matchmaking agency, though she hadn't closed a single deal in three months. Her latest client turned out to be perverted and made inappropriate advances. Shen Luo angrily chastised him before quitting her job in disgust. Alone in the pouring rain and facing an overdue rent notice from her landlord, coupled with her grandfather's illness, Shen Luo, in a fit of frustration, left the bustling city to return to her serene island hometown.

Upon disembarking from the ferry, Shen Luo felt a pang of disappointment at the lack of a welcoming party. However, her childhood friends, Jiang Yisheng, a doctor, and Zhou Buwen, an antique dealer, playfully ambushed her. Their joyful reunion felt like a return to their carefree childhood days. Shen Luo’s priority was to visit her ailing grandfather at the hospital. At the hospital, Jiang Yisheng led Shen Luo, much to the envy of the nurses who clearly admired him.

Shen Luo playfully teased Jiang Yisheng in front of them, enjoying his embarrassment. However, once in his office, Jiang Yisheng’s demeanor turned somber. He solemnly revealed that her grandfather was suffering from late-stage stomach cancer. Shen Luo was utterly devastated, feeling as if she had been struck by lightning. Despite her heartbreak, Shen Luo composed herself to avoid alarming her grandfather. She put on a cheerful facade when she met him.

Her grandfather was delighted to see her and asked about her work and life. To ease his worries, Shen Luo falsely claimed to have a boyfriend who worked in the city, a fabrication her grandfather readily believed. He expressed his deepest wish to see her happily married before he died. Later, Jiang Yisheng, having overheard Shen Luo’s fabricated story, was keen to introduce her to a potential boyfriend. Shen Luo vehemently rejected the idea of a blind date.

As she walked home, she encountered a man with handsome features but peculiar attire, who seemed very weak and desperately asked her for water. He drank several bottles in one go, then introduced himself as Wu Julan. Shen Luo, however, immediately assumed he was Jiang Yisheng's proposed blind date and was merely using a cheap trick to get her attention. She curtly dismissed him and quickly left. Later that evening, Wu Julan appeared at Shen Luo's house.

Shen Luo believed he had followed her, unaware that Wu Julan (Regulus) had been guided by Violet's instructions. Violet had informed him that the spiritual pearl was hidden in this very courtyard, and that he needed to reside there to sense its exact location on the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar. Shen Luo adamantly refused to let Wu Julan in, but Wu Julan forcibly entered her courtyard without explanation.

That night, Wu Julan stayed in the courtyard, and Shen Luo spent a restless night, terrified that the oddly dressed Wu Julan was a deranged patient of Jiang Yisheng's, a pervert. The following day, Shen Luo invited Jiang Yisheng and Zhou Buwen to her house. They were initially sympathetic, hearing Wu Julan had no parents or home. However, upon seeing the damage he had caused to the courtyard, they became angry and drove him out.

That evening, Shen Luo returned from the hospital to find a pitiful Wu Julan standing under a large tree by her house entrance. Remembering his lonely and helpless situation, Shen Luo ultimately softened and allowed him to enter her home again. However, she sternly told Wu Julan that he must work as her handyman. Wu Julan, eager to stay, did not object. The next day, Shen Luo found Wu Julan’s peculiar and rustic attire quite displeasing.

She forcefully gave him a haircut and made him change into normal clothes. When Wu Julan appeared before Shen Luo in his new outfit, she was instantly mesmerized by his handsomeness and involuntarily swallowed. Wu Julan truly submitted to Shen Luo's commands, diligently performing his duties as a handyman, including washing clothes and cooking. Shen Luo, however, found herself somewhat unaccustomed to his obedience.

Episode 2 Recap

Zhou Buwen was at the hospital playing chess with Shen Luo's grandfather, who was suffering from a cough. Zhou Buwen offered to get some tea leaves from Grandpa's room to brew him a soothing cup. While searching in Grandpa's cabinet, Zhou Buwen stumbled upon an ancient and exquisite silver box. Having been tasked by Boss An, a major antique dealer, to collect such boxes, he quickly took a photo of it with his phone.

Later that evening, Zhou Buwen reported to Boss An about his findings, but Boss An was still displeased with the overall collection progress and threatened to end their partnership. To pacify him, Zhou Buwen immediately presented the photograph of Grandpa's silver box. Meanwhile, on her way home, Shen Luo encountered the Village Chief. He anxiously handed her a wanted poster, cautioning her to be careful and vigilant of the escaped pervert depicted on it. Shen Luo, however, simply smiled dismissively.

Upon returning home, Shen Luo saw Wu Julan doing chores and realized he bore a striking resemblance to the fugitive on the poster. Terrified, she tried to get Wu Julan to leave, telling him he no longer needed to pay her back. However, Wu Julan refused, insisting he would work to repay his debt to her, proclaiming, "I said I'd work off my debt, so I must keep my word."

Shen Luo, frantic, secretly called the Village Chief for help, claiming Wu Julan was the pervert and urging him to send someone to save her. To her surprise, the Village Chief informed her that the pervert had already been apprehended. Shen Luo then realized it had all been a false alarm. Later, Wu Julan noticed the Angel's Trumpet flowers blooming in Shen Luo's small courtyard.

He remembered being poisoned by Angel's Trumpet when his spirit pearl was stolen, making him suspicious of Shen Luo's motives for planting them. Out of suspicion, he angrily burned the flowers. Shen Luo was furious and again threatened to drive him away. Despite their renewed conflict, Shen Luo still offered him tea and snacks as an apology for the earlier misunderstanding (regarding the wanted poster). He asked if she had put something in the tea.

She admitted to adding cassia seeds and explained that she planted the Angel's Trumpet not for nefarious purposes but because they are a medicinal ingredient that can be harvested and sold for housekeeping money. Wu Julan understood her intentions were harmless. The tension in Shen Luo’s house escalated when her grandfather and Jiang Yisheng arrived.

Jiang Yisheng, trying to clear his name with several nurses he had been flirting with at the hospital, carelessly said that the person Shen Luo liked was Wu Julan, and even urged them to go to her house to see that she now had a boyfriend. Grandpa, having overheard this, returned home to verify. He questioned Wu Julan, suspecting him of being a freeloader who was after his family's inheritance.

Grandpa advised Wu Julan to find a proper job and establish himself before thinking of marriage. Although distressed by her grandfather's assumptions, Shen Luo, knowing his limited time, decided to go along with the misunderstanding. She asked Wu Julan to pretend to be her boyfriend in front of Grandpa, to which Wu Julan surprisingly agreed. Wu Julan accompanied Shen Luo to the hospital to visit Grandpa.

Due to his unusually keen hearing, Wu Julan overheard Zhu Yiyang, a local contact, on the phone with Zhou Buwen, discussing the search for silver boxes. Wu Julan intercepted Zhu Yiyang, attacking him and demanding the silver box, but it was not the one he was looking for. One day, Shen Luo and Wu Julan were ambushed on their way home. They were bound and taken to the rooftop of a building.

The kidnappers presented a chilling choice: only one of them could live. To the kidnappers' surprise, both Wu Julan and Shen Luo valiantly offered to sacrifice themselves for the other. Shen Luo managed to find an opportunity to escape and pulled Wu Julan with her from the room, only to realize they were on a high rooftop. Just as Shen Luo despaired, Wu Julan abruptly picked her up and leaped off the building.

Shen Luo tightly shut her eyes in fear. They landed unharmed, but the kidnappers immediately pursued them. As Shen Luo prepared to run, the kidnappers called out, revealing themselves to be Grandpa and Jiang Yisheng. The entire abduction was a test of Wu Julan's feelings for Shen Luo. Impressed by Wu Julan's selfless protection of Shen Luo, Grandpa formally placed Shen Luo's hand in Wu Julan's, entrusting him with her lifelong protection.

Wu Julan solemnly promised to keep Shen Luo safe for as long as he lived. After the ordeal, Shen Luo felt a deeper connection with Wu Julan and suggested they become friends. Wu Julan, who believed humans were deceitful and self-serving, was puzzled by the idea of friendship. Shen Luo explained that friendship brings companionship, a confidant, and someone to miss, which she considered a source of happiness. Wu Julan pondered her words.

As Shen Luo and Wu Julan approached their small courtyard, Wu Julan's acute senses detected someone inside. It was Zhou Buwen, who was ransacking Shen Luo's house in search of the silver box for Boss An. Wu Julan quickly pushed open the door, revealing the messy interior. Shen Luo checked around and found that nothing was missing. Shortly after, Jiang Yisheng and Zhou Buwen arrived, feigning concern and asking about the burglary.

Wu Julan fixed his gaze on Zhou Buwen, stating that the intruder wasn't after money but something specific, causing Zhou Buwen to nervously avoid his eyes. The following day, the Village Chief stopped Shen Luo to inform her that the island was partnering with a tourism company for an event. They needed an image ambassador to dress as a mermaid.

Shen Luo immediately refused after seeing the mermaid costume, which was quite revealing, with only a small amount of fabric covering the chest. However, upon hearing about the 5,000 yuan prize money, she began to reconsider.

Episode 3 Recap

Shen Luo was determined to earn money from the upcoming Merman Folk Festival but was also concerned about the potential embarrassment of participating herself. She devised a plan and returned home, reminding Wu Julan of the significant loss she incurred when he burned her angel's trumpets and stating that she would have originally sent him away.

However, because he had "sensibly" played along as her fake boyfriend in front of her Grandpa, she offered to let him stay a few more days. When Wu Julan thanked her, Shen Luo said there was no need for thanks, but he should show gratitude for her letting the past go. She then proposed that he continue to pretend to be her boyfriend in front of Grandpa while also impersonating a merman for the festival.

She promised to forget the money he owed her and even let him stay and eat for free if he agreed. Wu Julan, after some contemplation, agreed to her terms, though Shen Luo warned him not to develop any real feelings, to which he dismissed her concerns. The next day, at the Merman Folk Festival, Wu Julan, disguised as a merman, sat on a parade float, captivating the crowds with his handsome appearance.

Young women and older ladies screamed excitedly, a reaction Shen Luo hadn't anticipated from him. Realizing she needed to pick up Grandpa to join the festivities, Shen Luo rushed to the hospital to bring him to the seaside. By the time Grandpa arrived, the festival was reaching its climax. Wu Julan, following tradition, tossed a wreath into the sea, which immediately led to a spectacular display of fish leaping in unison, a phenomenon resembling "fish leaping over the dragon's gate."

Grandpa, witnessing this, became deeply agitated, and Wu Julan keenly observed his reaction. After the startling display, Shen Luo tried to calm Grandpa, but he insisted on a serious conversation about Wu Julan's true origins. Grandpa directly questioned Wu Julan about his background, asking where he came from, if he had family, and what kind of work he did. Wu Julan vaguely replied that he was from "near the sea" and was an orphan who "does everything."

Shen Luo interjected, explaining that Wu Julan had a "stable job" helping her with household chores to repay a debt. Grandpa was taken aback, asking if Wu Julan was living off Shen Luo. Wu Julan, misunderstanding the idiom "eating soft rice," simply commented that "today's rice isn't soft" and asked for more. Reluctantly, Shen Luo revealed to Grandpa that Wu Julan was on the island looking for someone who owed him something.

Upon hearing this, Grandpa became visibly agitated and began to cough violently. That night, amidst a fierce thunderstorm, Grandpa sat alone in the hospital, holding an ancient silver box. He mused that after more than a hundred years, what was fated to happen was finally unfolding. He then called Shen Luo, instructing her to come to the hospital the following morning as he had something very important to tell her. The next morning, Shen Luo visited Grandpa at the hospital.

Jiang Yisheng and Zhou Buwen were also there. Zhou Buwen, having learned about Shen Luo's fake relationship with Wu Julan, was agitated and voiced his disapproval. Jiang Yisheng, however, urged Zhou Buwen not to upset Grandpa, emphasizing that the arrangement was for Grandpa's peace of mind, and warned him not to mess it up. Grandpa, still gently warned Shen Luo about not settling for just anyone.

Shen Luo, unaware of the real danger, continued to play the part for Grandpa, exaggerating Wu Julan's devotion and obedience to make him happy. Grandpa, still skeptical about Wu Julan, secretly planned further tests for his character, first for "greed and lust," and then "life and death." He convinced a reluctant Jiang Yisheng to help him orchestrate these tests, sending Shen Luo away on an errand to buy cakes.

A test for greed was conducted where a gold bracelet was offered to Wu Julan, which he refused. Later, Jiang Yisheng, disguised as a flirtatious woman at a bar, tried to seduce Wu Julan. Wu Julan, however, saw through the disguise, noting Jiang Yisheng's unshaven legs and other unappealing traits, and rejected the advances. Jiang Yisheng reported to Grandpa that Wu Julan had passed the "greed and lust" test.

Grandpa then proceeded with the "life and death" test, staging a fake kidnapping where Shen Luo and Wu Julan were held captive, along with a reluctant Jiang Yisheng, by "kidnappers" (Grandpa and his aides). When told only one of them could live, Wu Julan immediately offered his life for Shen Luo, even though Shen Luo, playing her part aggressively, had declared she wanted him killed.

During their escape, Shen Luo found herself desperate on a rooftop, but Wu Julan bravely leaped from the building with her, landing safely. The "kidnappers" then revealed themselves as Grandpa and Jiang Yisheng, and Grandpa, satisfied with Wu Julan's selfless love, solemnly entrusted Shen Luo into his care. Wu Julan pledged to protect Shen Luo for life. Following this ordeal, Shen Luo's understanding of Wu Julan deepened.

She proposed they become friends, a concept Wu Julan found perplexing, believing humans to be treacherous and self-serving. Shen Luo explained that friendship brings connection, a confidant, and someone to miss, which are all sources of happiness. Wu Julan listened thoughtfully. Soon after, Wu Julan received a phone call from Grandpa, arranging a meeting in the island's mountain forest for noon.

Wu Julan, aware that Shen Luo's family were descendants of Du Xiaolin, who had betrayed him and stolen the spirit pearl centuries ago, felt a familiar pain, though he knew Shen Luo herself was innocent. Grandpa then went alone to the mountain. Upon meeting Wu Julan, Grandpa was met with an angry gaze, and he fearfully avoided eye contact. Suddenly, without warning, Grandpa lunged at Wu Julan with a dagger.

Enraged, Wu Julan seized the dagger and turned it towards Grandpa, stopping it inches from his head. Grandpa dropped to his knees, confessing his ancestors' remorse and their creation of the Merman Folk Festival as an act of repentance. He claimed he had not meant to kill Wu Julan, but was protecting Shen Luo, begging for her life. Wu Julan demanded the spirit pearl, and a trembling Grandpa produced the silver box containing it.

Just as Wu Julan reached for the box, a shadowy figure snatched it and fled. Wu Julan gave chase, while Grandpa, his strength failing, collapsed. Wu Julan pursued the assailant to the sea, where he identified the person as a Black Wizard by a flame tattoo. The stolen silver box fell and cracked open, revealing it to be empty.

The Black Wizard summoned a swarm of black bats to cover his escape, leaving Wu Julan to roar in anger at the loss of the spirit pearl. In the meantime, Shen Luo, Zhou Buwen, and Jiang Yisheng, having realized Grandpa was no longer at the hospital, searched for him. They eventually found his lifeless body in the mountain forest. Overcome with grief, Shen Luo fainted.

Zhou Buwen and Jiang Yisheng were perplexed by Grandpa's presence in the forest and discovered that his last phone call had been to Wu Julan. Since Wu Julan had not been seen since Grandpa's death, they began to suspect his involvement. Shen Luo found Wu Julan standing motionless by the sea, where he had remained for an entire day and night. She grabbed him, demanding to know if he had been with Grandpa before his death.

With red, angry eyes, Wu Julan stared at Shen Luo, then forcefully pulled away from her grasp. He explicitly stated that he was not responsible for her Grandpa's death. Wu Julan then left silently, his face grim. Jiang Yisheng and Zhou Buwen arrived shortly after. An agitated Zhou Buwen, convinced Wu Julan had murdered Grandpa, furiously lunged at him with a punch.

However, his fist was intercepted by the hand of a beautiful woman, leaving Jiang Yisheng utterly stunned by her appearance. The beautiful woman introduced herself as Wu Jingjing, Wu Julan's psychologist. She explained that Wu Julan was a Chinese American suffering from mild depression. Jiang Yisheng readily believed her, immediately developing admiration for Wu Jingjing. Zhou Buwen, however, remained skeptical and still harbored suspicions about Wu Julan's involvement in Grandpa's death.

Via video call from New York, Violet introduced her granddaughter, Wu Jingjing, to Wu Julan, explaining that Wu Jingjing had come specifically to assist him in his search for the spirit pearl. Wu Julan informed Violet that he had encountered the Black Wizard during his search. Violet expressed dismay, noting that after 150 years, the Black Wizard still hadn't given up pursuing the spirit pearl.

Zhou Buwen, who had previously confided to Jiang Yisheng his unwavering desire to marry Shen Luo now that he was no longer the "poor boy of the past," approached the distraught Shen Luo to comfort her. He passionately confessed his feelings, hoping she would accept him. Shen Luo, however, subtly rejected his affectionate advances. Later, Zhou Buwen received a call from Boss An, who, sounding weak, asked him to bring medicine and bandages to a hotel room.

Unknown to Zhou Buwen, Boss An was the Black Wizard who had been gravely wounded during his confrontation with Wu Julan while stealing the spirit pearl. Though confused, Zhou Buwen followed Boss An's instructions. Upon entering the hotel room, Zhou Buwen was horrified to see Boss An covered in blood and instinctively recoiled.

Episode 4 Recap

Earlier, Shen Luo, both wanting to earn money and fearing embarrassment, ingeniously devised a solution. She returned home and, through a mix of persuasion and coercion, convinced Wu Julan to impersonate a 'Jiaoren' (Merman) and participate in the Mermaid Folk Festival. The next day at the festival, Wu Julan, in his merman costume, paraded through the streets on a float, his handsome appearance drawing wild cheers from the women and girls. Shen Luo was surprised by his unexpected charm.

Suddenly, Shen Luo remembered she was supposed to pick up her grandfather for the festival. She quickly went to the hospital and brought him to the seaside. As her grandfather arrived, the festival was reaching its climax. Following tradition, Wu Julan threw a wreath into the sea, which led to a miraculous sight: schools of fish leapt and jumped as if transforming into dragons.

Shen Luo's grandfather was greatly agitated by this scene, and his reaction did not escape Wu Julan's notice. Later, Shen Luo tried to comfort her agitated grandfather. He gravely questioned her about Wu Julan's true origins. Under pressure, Shen Luo revealed that Wu Julan had come to the island to find someone who owed him something. Upon hearing this, her grandfather became extremely agitated and coughed violently.

That night, amidst thunder, lightning, and torrential rain, her grandfather was alone in the hospital, holding an ancient silver box. He mused that after more than a hundred years, what was destined to come had finally arrived. He then called Shen Luo on the phone, urging her to come to the hospital first thing in the morning, as he had something very important to tell her.

The next morning, just as Shen Luo left home, Wu Julan received a phone call from Shen Luo's grandfather, arranging to meet him at noon in the island's mountain forest. Wu Julan knew that Shen Luo's family were descendants of Du Xiaolin, the human who had cheated him and stolen his spiritual pearl. Although Wu Julan had considered Du Xiaolin a close confidant, he had suffered a shameful betrayal and trap.

While he knew Shen Luo and her descendants were not personally involved, the pain of that betrayal and scheme made it difficult for him to let go. Upon arriving at the hospital, Shen Luo was sent away by her grandfather. Soon after, Shen Luo's grandfather went alone to the mountain forest to meet Wu Julan. When Wu Julan saw him, he glared furiously. The grandfather, humbled and terrified, dared not meet Wu Julan's gaze.

Suddenly, when Wu Julan was unprepared, the grandfather drew a dagger and lunged at him. Enraged, Wu Julan seized control of the dagger, turning it back towards the grandfather. The dagger hovered menacingly above his head. The grandfather then knelt before Wu Julan, confessing that his ancestor had long harbored regret, which was why the Mermaid Folk Festival was established – as an expression of remorse towards Wu Julan.

He claimed he never intended to kill Wu Julan, but feared for Shen Luo's safety and pleaded for Wu Julan to spare her. Wu Julan did not believe him and roared, demanding the spiritual pearl. Trembling, the grandfather produced the silver box containing the pearl. Just as Wu Julan reached for the box, a shadowy figure suddenly darted in like lightning, snatched the box, and sped away. Wu Julan, shocked, gave chase.

At this point, Shen Luo's grandfather, utterly exhausted, collapsed and died. Wu Julan pursued the shadowy figure, engaging him in a fierce fight. He pressed the figure about his identity, but the black-clad man remained silent, only fighting and fleeing. When Wu Julan finally chased him to the seaside, he inadvertently caught sight of a flame tattoo on the black-clad man, realizing with a start that the figure was the Black Wizard.

At that moment, the snatched silver box fell to the ground and cracked open, revealing it to be empty. In Wu Julan's moment of surprise, the Black Wizard summoned a vast swarm of black bats. The bats encircled Wu Julan, allowing the Black Wizard to escape. Wu Julan, having narrowly missed the spiritual pearl, roared furiously at the sky. Meanwhile, Shen Luo, Zhou Buwen, and Jiang Yisheng discovered that her grandfather was no longer at the hospital.

They searched everywhere and eventually found his lifeless body in the mountain forest. Overcome with grief, Shen Luo fainted. Zhou Buwen and Jiang Yisheng were puzzled as to why Shen Luo's grandfather would be in the mountain forest. Unable to figure it out, they examined his belongings and discovered that his last phone call was to Wu Julan. Moreover, Wu Julan had not appeared since the grandfather's death. They suspected Wu Julan was involved in Shen Luo's grandfather's death.

Shen Luo found Wu Julan standing motionless by the seaside for a day and a night. She grabbed him, demanding to know if he had been with her grandfather earlier. Wu Julan, with red, angry eyes, glared at Shen Luo, then angrily pushed her hand away. He clearly told Shen Luo that he was not responsible for her grandfather's death. Wu Julan then left silently with a gloomy expression. Just then, Jiang Yisheng and Zhou Buwen caught up.

An impulsive Zhou Buwen, convinced Wu Julan had killed the grandfather, angrily swung his fist at Wu Julan. Suddenly, his fist was intercepted by a beautiful woman's hand. Jiang Yisheng looked at the beautiful woman, stunned and speechless. The beautiful woman was named Wu Jingjing. She told Jiang Yisheng and Zhou Buwen that she was Wu Julan's psychologist, an American-Chinese, and that Wu Julan suffered from mild depression.

Jiang Yisheng believed her implicitly, filled with admiration, but Zhou Buwen remained skeptical and still harbored doubts about Wu Julan. In New York, Violet introduced her granddaughter Wu Jingjing to Wu Julan via video call, explaining that Wu Jingjing was there to assist him in finding the spiritual pearl. Wu Julan informed Violet that he had encountered the Black Wizard while searching for the pearl.

Violet mused that after 150 years, the Black Wizard still hadn't given up pursuing the pearl. Zhou Buwen comforted the heartbroken Shen Luo, passionately confessing his feelings and hoping she would accept him. Shen Luo discreetly rejected Zhou Buwen's intimate advances. Zhou Buwen then received a phone call from Boss An, who, with a weak voice, asked him to buy some medicine and bandages and meet him at a hotel.

It turned out Boss An was the Black Wizard who had snatched the spiritual pearl and had been severely injured in the fight with Wu Julan. Zhou Buwen, unaware of the full truth, complied with Boss An's instructions. Zhou Buwen reluctantly tended to Boss An's wounds, barely suppressing his fear. He found Boss An's injuries unsettlingly strange and couldn't help but ask how he got hurt.

Boss An sharply rebuked him for prying into matters that didn't concern him, causing Zhou Buwen to fall silent nervously. However, Zhou Buwen inadvertently caught sight of a flame tattoo on Boss An's body. Boss An then hid in a hotel room to recover from his injuries. One day, he gloomily reviewed old photographs on his iPad, one of which prominently featured Du Xiaolin and Wu Julan together.

He recalled his ancestor's deceitful collaboration with Du Xiaolin to steal Wu Julan's spiritual pearl, followed by Du Xiaolin's betrayal, as he stole the pearl from Boss An's ancestor. This memory brought a sinister, treacherous smile to Boss An's face. Wu Julan, with nowhere else to go, returned to Shen Luo's small courtyard.

At the same time, Zhou Buwen, feigning interest in helping Shen Luo organize her grandfather's belongings, subtly inquired if her grandfather possessed any valuable antiques during his lifetime. He offered to assist her in selling them for a high price to supplement her household expenses. Shen Luo, however, shook her head, clarifying that her grandfather did not own the kind of antiques Zhou Buwen described. Wu Julan slowly approached Shen Luo in the courtyard, his intense, unwavering gaze startling her.

Zhou Buwen quickly stepped in front of Shen Luo, angrily accusing Wu Julan of being a murderer. Wu Julan calmly denied the accusation, stating he had not killed anyone. Zhou Buwen remained unconvinced, but to his surprise, Shen Luo declared her belief that Wu Julan was not the killer. Zhou Buwen looked incredulous. Just as he was about to argue, Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing entered the courtyard.

Wu Jingjing, now working at Jiang Yisheng's hospital as an exchange doctor, presented a forensic autopsy report. She informed everyone that Shen Luo's grandfather had died of a cerebral hernia caused by advanced cancer. With the truth revealed, Wu Julan was exonerated, and Zhou Buwen, frustrated, stormed off. Jiang Yisheng later informed Wu Julan that Shen Luo had voluntarily initiated her grandfather's autopsy to uncover the truth and clear Wu Julan's name. Wu Julan looked at Shen Luo in disbelief.

Shen Luo reiterated her unwavering trust, telling him she always believed in him because they were friends. Wu Julan was deeply touched by her words. He continued to reside in the small courtyard, where Shen Luo confided in him about her profound bond with her grandfather, with whom she had relied on for many years. She wept about her profound helplessness now that her grandfather was gone.

Moved by her vulnerability, Wu Julan embraced Shen Luo, assuring her firmly that she still had him. That evening, Shen Luo and Wu Julan went to the seaside to honor her grandfather's spirit. Shen Luo, feeling a deep sense of trust, spoke openly with Wu Julan about everything. Wu Julan also shared a story with her. He asked if she wanted to hear a mermaid's tale.

He described a mermaid from a hundred years ago who considered a human his best friend, sharing his most precious secret. The mermaid had believed they would forge an amazing friendship but instead suffered cruel betrayal. His friend, for a small, petty profit, betrayed him and stole his most important possession, nearly torturing the mermaid to death.

Wu Julan added that what was even more ridiculous was that the friend never repented; instead, a touching story of gratitude was made up. He wondered if such a friend truly felt at ease, and if he wasn't afraid his descendants would be cursed forever. Shen Luo dismissed it as a dark and bloody story, telling him he lacked talent in storytelling and should go back to cook. Wu Julan then volunteered to cook that day.

Later, Wu Julan reflected internally, thinking that a hundred years had passed, yet he still couldn't escape it. He mused that the person had come to his doorstep to take back what belonged to him. Following these events, Zhou Buwen spoke with Boss An over the phone, telling him that "something happened" and he didn't have the item Boss An was looking for yet.

Boss An warned him, stating there was a limit to his patience, but Zhou Buwen promised to obtain it this time. Afterward, Shen Luo and Wu Julan raised their glasses, prepared to put their past pains behind them and embark on a new life. Unexpectedly, after consuming a single cup of wine, Wu Julan was struck by excruciating abdominal pain. He realized he had been poisoned by Datura flower once again.

Believing Shen Luo was responsible, Wu Julan was enraged by the perceived betrayal. He gripped Shen Luo's neck tightly, demanding to know why she had harmed him. Shen Luo, utterly bewildered by what was happening, struggled desperately before finally losing consciousness. When Shen Luo awoke, she found herself stranded on a reef in the middle of the sea. Panic seized her as she watched the tide slowly rise, screaming desperately for help, but there was no one in sight.

The water eventually reached her chest, intensifying her fear. Wu Julan watched her coldly from the sea before finally rescuing her and bringing her back to shore. On their way back, as they passed through a forest, they were suddenly ambushed by two burly men. These attackers were under Boss An's orders and specifically targeting Wu Julan. During the struggle, Shen Luo bravely helped Wu Julan, and together they managed to drive the assailants away.

Shen Luo then carried the unconscious Wu Julan back home. Wu Jingjing arrived to administer medicine to Wu Julan. She harbored suspicions that Shen Luo was responsible for the poisoning. However, Wu Julan vehemently denied it, stating his belief in Shen Luo because they were friends, and mutual trust was the most fundamental aspect of their friendship. Wu Jingjing found his unwavering trust somewhat perplexing.

In truth, Wu Julan's poisoning was not Shen Luo's doing, but had been covertly orchestrated by Boss An's operatives. Later, on her way back, Wu Jingjing passed a small hotel. She inadvertently noticed bloody gauze in the trash as workers disposed of it. Entering the hotel to inquire, she looked up and saw Zhou Buwen emerging from a second-floor room. Wu Jingjing immediately recalled her chance encounter with Zhou Buwen outside a pharmacy a few days prior.

She rushed towards the room, but Zhou Buwen, startled, hastily tried to block her path. Wu Jingjing pushed past Zhou Buwen and opened the room door, only to find that Boss An had already fled from the balcony to the rooftop. Unable to locate anyone, Wu Jingjing had to leave.

As she exited, she casually picked up a shoe from the floor near the door and placed it on the shoe rack, having discreetly attached a tracking device to its sole. Zhou Buwen breathed a sigh of relief as Wu Jingjing reluctantly departed. He then noticed an iPad on the bed, picked it up, and discreetly hid it in his clothes. Boss An returned to the room from the rooftop, feeling a strong sense of unease.

He immediately instructed Zhou Buwen to book him a boat ticket for the following morning and to acquire Shen Luo's old house at any cost. The next day, as Wu Jingjing intently monitored the tracking signal on her phone, she suddenly detected movement. Wu Jingjing quickly rushed out to follow the signal and soon spotted Boss An's hurried figure on the street, pursuing him closely.

Episode 5 Recap

Wu Jingjing was meticulously tracking the black wizard, almost catching him when Jiang Yisheng unexpectedly intervened. The black wizard seized the opportunity to remove his tracker and hastily made his way to the dock. By the time Wu Jingjing managed to shake off Jiang Yisheng and arrive at the dock, the black wizard was already on a boat, poised to depart. Their eyes met, and both were stunned.

The black wizard was revealed to be An Zuo, her former university boyfriend. Recalling their once inseparable closeness, Wu Jingjing was deeply saddened by his transformation. She implored him not to return, expressing her wish to avoid any conflict between them. Sometime earlier, Shen Luo had engaged in a routine morning, instructing Wu Julan to buy vegetables and wash her Grandpa's clothes.

Meanwhile, Wu Julan received a mysterious text message asking him to meet at the island's mountain forest at noon, to which he agreed. Shen Luo later had a poignant conversation with her Grandpa, who was in a hospital bed. He lovingly reflected on their years together, worried about her future, and made her promise to live a happy life after his passing, so he could leave in peace.

Shen Luo, deeply moved, wished aloud for time to turn back so they could remain as they were. Soon after, Shen Luo left the house briefly. Upon her return, she found Wu Julan absent, despite having tasks for him. She prepared soup for her Grandpa, but when she went to his room, he was gone. Panicked, she, Da Tou, and a nurse began searching for him. Meanwhile, Wu Julan met Shen Luo’s Grandpa in the forest.

Wu Julan directly confronted Grandpa, identifying him as Du Xiaolin's descendant and demanding the spiritual pearl. Grandpa noted that 150 years ago, Du Xiaolin hadn't killed Wu Julan, and expressed surprise at Wu Julan's continued murderous intent. Grandpa defended Du Xiaolin, claiming he felt guilt and created the Mermaid Festival as a form of atonement and comfort for Wu Julan. Wu Julan, however, dismissed this, accusing them all of being selfish and despicable, disguising contemptible deeds as kindness.

He declared he would never forget the betrayal and would never forgive them. Grandpa then apologized, stating he didn't truly wish to kill Wu Julan, and attempted to explain his actions were "because of Xiao Luo—" before Wu Julan cut him off. Grandpa pleaded with Wu Julan not to harm Shen Luo, emphasizing that she knew nothing about the matter. Wu Julan reiterated his demand for the spiritual pearl, leading to a physical confrontation.

Wu Julan ultimately spared Grandpa due to his age but warned him to watch himself. Simultaneously, Shen Luo, Da Tou, and Jiang Yisheng continued their frantic search for Grandpa, expanding their efforts to the beach and forest. Eventually, Shen Luo discovered her Grandpa deceased. A shadowy figure then appeared, taking a silver box, presumably containing the spiritual pearl, from Grandpa. Shen Luo, Da Tou, and Jiang Yisheng were present as Shen Luo collapsed in shock.

When Shen Luo awoke, Jiang Yisheng gently informed her that Grandpa was truly gone, having already stopped breathing when found. Recalling her promise to Grandpa, Shen Luo resolved to live happily. Later, as they reflected on Grandpa's sudden death, Jiang Yisheng noted the oddness of Grandpa going to the forest alone without company, suggesting he might have gone to meet someone. Examining Grandpa's belongings, they discovered his final call was placed to their home.

Shen Luo confirmed she hadn't answered, having left early. Jiang Yisheng deduced someone must have picked up, suspecting Wu Julan, who had been missing since the previous afternoon. He concluded Wu Julan must be involved in Grandpa’s death. Jiang Yisheng's friend, Da Tou, who was also there, agreed, saying he'd told Shen Luo earlier that there was nothing good about Wu Julan.

Shen Luo, however, urged them not to jump to conclusions, suggesting they find Wu Julan and ask him directly. They searched the house for Wu Julan, but he was nowhere to be found, leading Jiang Yisheng to conclude he had fled out of guilt. Shen Luo, Jiang Yisheng, and Da Tou then confronted Wu Julan, demanding to know his whereabouts and actions since the previous day. Shen Luo directly asked if he had killed Grandpa.

Wu Julan, shocked by the news of Grandpa's death, denied it, asserting Shen Luo had no right to question him. As they pressed him further, Wu Julan maintained he had nothing to say. Jiang Yisheng accused him of evil deeds, reminding him of Shen Luo's kindness in taking him in, and declared he would punish Wu Julan for Grandpa's death.

Just then, Wu Jingjing arrived, revealing that Wu Julan was a Chinese-American doctorate student in Chinese antiques from New York, and had come to the island to relax. She further explained that Wu Julan suffered from mild depression, characterized by weakness, low spirits, slow thought, and withdrawal. She cautioned them against accusing a patient without evidence. Jiang Yisheng was immediately smitten by Wu Jingjing's beauty and intelligence, which he openly expressed, much to Da Tou's dismay.

Despite Wu Jingjing's explanation, Da Tou remained suspicious. Wu Jingjing clarified she was not only Wu Julan's friend but also his long-time psychologist, vouching for his character and stating he would never commit murder. With that, she departed. Wu Jingjing later spoke to Wu Julan, referring to him as Regulus.

She confirmed Grandpa was Du Xiaolin's descendant but the spiritual pearl was gone, and noted Grandpa's death meant Shen Luo might be the only one who knew its location, a claim she doubted. Wu Julan reiterated his warning against exposing his identity to humans. Wu Jingjing also informed him that a black-clad individual, whom she had encountered fighting for the pearl, bore a fire tattoo.

She speculated this individual was the black wizard who 150 years prior had obtained the spiritual pearl from the mermaid people, only for it to be stolen by Du Xiaolin. Wu Jingjing noted the individual was seriously injured and wouldn't be leaving soon, promising to find him. Wu Julan also thought about Shen Luo’s Grandpa’s last words and the Angel’s Trumpet flowers. He secretly believed Shen Luo might know about the pearl, despite what Grandpa had said.

Since Grandpa's passing, Shen Luo had been reading joke books to find solace. She now decided to extend this method to help Wu Julan with his depression, believing a job would both earn her money and aid his recovery. Without waiting for his response, she excitedly went to the service center. Suddenly, Shen Luo's stepmother, Su GuiFang, arrived uninvited. Finding Wu Julan alone at home, she rudely criticized his manners and accused him of illegally cohabiting with Shen Luo.

When Shen Luo returned, Su GuiFang wasted no time in declaring her purpose: to sell the ancestral home and divide the family assets. Shen Luo, deeply attached to the house filled with memories of her and Grandpa, adamantly refused. Su GuiFang, citing inheritance law, pressured Shen Luo, demanding 300,000 yuan to drop her claim. Unable to raise such a sum, Shen Luo consulted Jiang Yisheng and Da Tou. While Jiang Yisheng sympathized, he couldn't help financially.

Zhou Buwen, however, unexpectedly offered to lend Shen Luo the money, a gesture for which she was profoundly grateful. Da Tou also approached Shen Luo and candidly expressed his feelings for her, reminiscing about their childhood and wishing they could be together, mutually supportive and warm. Shen Luo, however, gently deflected his advances, urging him to rest. Meanwhile, the avaricious Su GuiFang had already brought potential buyers to view the house, extolling its virtues.

Upon returning home, Shen Luo informed her stepmother that she had secured the money, prompting Su GuiFang to dismiss the buyers. Just then, Da Tou called, confirming the money had been transferred to Shen Luo's account, and Shen Luo hurried to the bank to withdraw it. Unbeknownst to Shen Luo, Zhou Buwen paid a visit to Su GuiFang.

He proposed buying the ancestral home for double the market price if Su GuiFang would first demand an inflated sum of 500,000 yuan from Shen Luo, knowing Shen Luo wouldn't be able to pay it. He then promised to buy the house for 1,000,000 yuan. Su GuiFang, puzzled as to why Zhou Buwen would both lend money to Shen Luo and simultaneously sabotage her, listened as Zhou Buwen explained his affection for Shen Luo.

He planned to buy the house and let Shen Luo live there, believing she would be eternally grateful, thus achieving both love and wealth. Su GuiFang understood his cunning plan. When Shen Luo presented the 300,000 yuan to Su GuiFang, her stepmother's demeanor instantly changed, and she demanded 500,000 yuan. Shen Luo was aghast, knowing she couldn't possibly raise that much. She once again sought advice from Jiang Yisheng and Zhou Buwen.

Zhou Buwen secretly delighted in her predicament while feigning regret and helplessness. Jiang Yisheng, after some thought, decided to resort to an unconventional method. That night, Su GuiFang's bedroom was suddenly filled with smoke, and the lights flickered eerily. Jiang Yisheng, disguised in a white robe and a fake beard, impersonated Shen Luo's Grandpa's ghost, angrily scolding Su GuiFang for bullying Shen Luo. Guilt-ridden, Su GuiFang trembled with fear. However, Jiang Yisheng's overconfidence led to his disguise being exposed.

The feisty Su GuiFang grabbed a broom and chased Jiang Yisheng out of the house. Jiang Yisheng made a hasty and undignified retreat, while Su GuiFang, emboldened, continued her pursuit. Suddenly, Wu Julan emerged from the darkness, his eyes emitting a terrifying blue light. Su GuiFang initially dismissed him as another prankster, but witnessing his eerie transformation into a monstrous form, she fainted in terror.

The following morning, Su GuiFang swiftly departed with the 300,000 yuan Shen Luo had given her, unable even to meet Wu Julan's gaze. Shen Luo was perplexed by her stepmother's abrupt change of heart but relieved to have saved their home. Zhou Buwen's scheme had failed, and he felt a profound sense of loss, noticing Wu Julan's intense, meaningful stare directed at him.

Zhou Buwen was still troubled by what he had seen on An Zuo's iPad: a photo of Du Xiaolin and Wu Julan together, which professional appraisal confirmed was not photoshopped, despite Wu Julan's 19th-century attire. He also found cryptic astrological charts he couldn't comprehend. At some point, An Zuo had contacted Zhou Buwen, asking him to urgently procure bandages, gauze, and blood-clotting medicine, indicating his location and instructing him to avoid attracting attention.

Zhou Buwen had attended to An Zuo's wounds, enduring An Zuo's reprimand not to inquire about his injuries. Later, An Zuo initiated a video call via the iPad, startling Zhou Buwen, who stumbled backward. An Zuo, having discovered his iPad missing and seeing records of it being accessed multiple times, concluded Zhou Buwen had seen things he shouldn't have. He decided to reveal his secrets.

An Zuo confessed to Zhou Buwen that while publicly a scientist, he was also a wizard with knowledge of various sorceries. He asserted Zhou Buwen still held value to him, so he wouldn't harm him for now. However, he warned that if Zhou Buwen failed to perform his duties diligently, An Zuo would end his life in a minute. Zhou Buwen was too terrified to utter a single word.

Wu Jingjing informed Wu Julan that she had previously seen Zhou Buwen in An Zuo's room, suspecting an illicit collaboration between them. Wu Julan instructed Wu Jingjing to closely monitor Zhou Buwen and uncover the truth. The next day, while out, Zhou Buwen sensed someone trailing him. As he attempted to identify his pursuer, he was suddenly attacked by an unknown assailant and knocked unconscious. The assailant, who was Wu Jingjing, took him to her home.

Upon his awakening, Wu Jingjing hypnotized Zhou Buwen, questioning him about his relationship with An Zuo. Zhou Buwen stated he only had business dealings with An Zuo and knew nothing else. Wu Jingjing implicitly trusted Zhou Buwen's hypnotized testimony. However, she was unaware that An Zuo, knowing her well, had anticipated such an attempt and had taught Zhou Buwen anti-hypnosis techniques beforehand. As Zhou Buwen departed Wu Jingjing's home, a faint, sly smile played on his lips.

The next day, Zhou Buwen insisted on taking Jiang Yisheng to the dock to pick someone up. Jiang Yisheng initially complained but instantly brightened upon seeing a beautiful woman. Zhou Buwen introduced her as his stepsister, Zhou Buyan, the daughter of his stepfather. Zhou Buyan, an outgoing and straightforward woman, quickly corrected him, stating they were not blood-related. She also confessed to Jiang Yisheng that she harbored feelings for Zhou Buwen, leaving Jiang Yisheng somewhat bewildered.

That afternoon, the group had lunch at Shen Luo's house. After the meal, Shen Luo unexpectedly demanded payment for the food. She explained her dire financial situation, noting that even Wu Julan had gone out to find work, and insisted they either pay up or help her secure employment.

Episode 6 Recap

After lunch at Shen Luo's house, Zhou Buwen and his sister, Zhou Buyan, departed. While Zhou Buyan waited for Zhou Buwen to buy her water, she encountered Zhu Yiyang. Struck by Zhou Buyan's beauty, Zhu Yiyang lost control of his vehicle, overturning it, smashing watermelons, and falling hard to the ground. When Zhou Buwen returned to witness the chaotic scene, he pulled Zhu Yiyang away to help Shen Luo find a job, disregarding Zhou Buyan's repeated requests to go out.

Shen Luo later received a call from a company called "Ocean Tide Culture Company," offering her a secretarial position. She dressed nicely and went to report for work. Wu Julan found the offer suspicious and decided to look up the company on the computer. As he suspected, this seemingly generous media company was a setup arranged by Zhou Buwen through Zhu Yiyang, purely to help Shen Luo.

Zhu Yiyang attempted to take advantage of Shen Luo while teaching her to dance, which resulted in Shen Luo giving him a thorough beating. He was forced to confess everything. Meanwhile, Wu Julan discovered that the "Ocean Tide Culture Company" was completely fictitious. Seeing Shen Luo upset and disheartened by the deception, Wu Julan initially wanted to comfort her. However, the ever-optimistic Shen Luo quickly regained her cheerful demeanor.

Zhou Buyan grew increasingly irritated by Zhou Buwen's evident concern for Shen Luo. In a fit of anger, she slammed her spoon, spilling coffee, and warned her brother against harboring a secret crush on Shen Luo, which only made Zhou Buwen more impatient. Wu Julan crafted a beautiful guqin from wood. Meanwhile, Shen Luo was constantly worried about her substantial debts.

Wu Julan instructed Shen Luo to prepare bowls, chopsticks, and side dishes for over a dozen people, leading her to believe he was inviting friends over for dinner. Despite her limited funds, she diligently made the preparations. To everyone's astonishment, Wu Julan had retrieved a massive "Sea Phoenix" from the ocean. The island residents were thrilled, as the creature hadn't been seen for many years, and everyone eagerly sought to buy a piece.

Wu Julan carried the "Sea Phoenix" home and announced that anyone wishing to eat it must pay 1,000 yuan. Everyone readily agreed. With a small knife, Wu Julan's incredible knife skills were displayed as he swiftly prepared plates of sashimi, reciting ancient seven-character poems as he worked. The onlookers were mesmerized and spontaneously applauded. Zhou Buwen and Zhou Buyan also joined the crowd.

Zhou Buwen, however, found the situation peculiar, knowing that a "Sea Phoenix" inhabits the deep sea and should not be so easily caught. A large crowd gathered at the door, and Wu Julan further entertained them by playing the guqin. He performed the song "The Starry Night, The Starry Sea," which happened to be Shen Luo's favorite song.

Shen Luo was utterly captivated by Wu Julan's charm and talent, and some people in the crowd immediately offered large sums to hire him. Receiving a large sum of money, Shen Luo felt as though she was dreaming. Delighted, she fetched some wine to celebrate, and Wu Julan also smiled happily. Shen Luo, with her low tolerance for alcohol, quickly became intoxicated. Leaning on Wu Julan's shoulder, she gazed at him with hazy eyes.

Though she claimed not to believe in love, she desired to kiss him, only to fall asleep. Her actions left Wu Julan in a state of confusion and longing. Zhou Buwen observed this entire intimate scene clearly through a crack in the door.

An Zuo was furious, chastising his subordinates for their incompetence when they reported that while Wu Julan appeared weak, he was a strong fighter, and the woman with him was "particularly strong," which led to the failure of their mission. An Zuo dismissed them as "useless things." During a video call, An Zuo instructed Zhou Buwen to find a way to kidnap Wu Julan, promising him rich rewards.

Later, after discovering his lost iPad was accessed multiple times, An Zuo made another video call to Zhou Buwen, revealing his true identity as a wizard and threatening Zhou Buwen's life if he didn't cooperate. An Zuo also instructed Zhou Buwen to focus on acquiring Shen Luo's old family house, promising him many benefits once the task was complete. Wu Jingjing was deeply concerned by Wu Julan's unusual behavior, fearing it would draw suspicion and expose his true identity.

She had sensed his growing affection for Shen Luo and warned him not to develop feelings for her, reminding him that Shen Luo was a descendant of Du Xiaolin, Wu Julan's old enemy. Wu Jingjing also wondered why, after Du Xiaolin and his associates went to such lengths to steal the spiritual pearl, it had mysteriously gone missing.

She continued to suspect Shen Luo and her grandpa of collusion and reminded Wu Julan that the fifteenth of the month was approaching, after which they would leave if the pearl was found. However, Wu Julan had developed genuine feelings for the strong and innocent Shen Luo and was reluctant to depart. After Wu Julan awoke, Shen Luo vividly recounted how they were ambushed by two sturdy "troublemakers" in the forest while returning home.

She claimed Wu Julan had fainted easily, leaving her to bravely fight them off and then carry him, "as heavy as a pig," back home. Wu Julan, having experienced the effects of poisoning, apologized to Shen Luo, stating that he would never suspect her again. Shen Luo demanded more than just an apology for the mental and physical torture she endured. Later, Wu Jingjing visited Wu Julan, bringing him medicine specifically formulated for his condition.

She questioned if Shen Luo had prepared the wine, implying Shen Luo might have poisoned him. Wu Julan firmly denied this, asserting his trust in Shen Luo. He argued that if Shen Luo intended to harm him, she wouldn't have saved him in the forest, believing her sincerity.

Wu Jingjing, however, pointed out that only someone who knew about Angel's Trumpet would use it to poison him and suspected the Black Wizard's men were responsible, plotting against him on the island. Wu Jingjing reassured him she would investigate them quickly, despite their sly and specially trained nature. Upon waking, Shen Luo remembered her drunken antics from the night before and felt embarrassed. She quietly sought out Wu Julan, only to accidentally bump into his arms.

Blushing, she covered her face and rushed out, running straight into Jiang Yisheng, who immediately teased her about her discomposure. Zhou Buwen and Zhou Buyan strolled around the island. Zhou Buyan was drawn to the items in the roadside shops and asked her brother for his opinion as she browsed. Zhou Buwen, however, walked ahead, lost in thought. Zhou Buyan, observing his distracted demeanor, immediately assumed he was thinking about Shen Luo and became visibly jealous.

Episode 7 Recap

Shen Luo secretly planned a surprise birthday party for Wu Julan, scheduled for the following day, the 15th of the 6th lunar month. She wanted to keep it a secret to give him a surprise. When she called Jiang Yisheng to discuss it, Zhou Buwen (nicknamed Da Tou) guessed it was Shen Luo and offered to take care of the birthday cake and the entire celebration. Later, Shen Luo found Wu Julan washing her clothes.

Feeling embarrassed about her drunken behavior the previous night, she hesitantly approached him. She tried to explain away her actions, saying that what happened was in the past and that no one would know if they kept it between themselves. She also mentioned inviting Jiang Yisheng to dinner tomorrow and wanted Wu Julan to join. When Wu Julan didn't react, she thought he was angry, then realized he was falling ill again.

She then tried to "cure" his perceived illness, stating she could no longer remain nonchalant. She handed him a book titled "Family Humor and Jokes, 500 Norms," calling it a magical medicine that would prevent his illness from acting up again. She believed his world was cold and lonely, but she could help him find the value in life by finding a job for him so he could earn money for her.

She enthusiastically declared her intention to visit the island's employment agency right away. Shortly after this conversation, Wu Julan suddenly became unwell, grabbing onto Shen Luo before losing consciousness. A worried Shen Luo quickly summoned Wu Jingjing, frantically asking about Wu Julan's condition. Wu Jingjing, feigning annoyance at Shen Luo's questions, dismissed her to tend to Wu Julan.

She explained that Wu Julan's body would grow increasingly weak as the 15th approached, and she urged him to move into her house. She feared Shen Luo, as a descendant of his enemy Du Xiaolin, might harm him. Wu Julan steadfastly refused, arguing that such a move would only arouse suspicion, and he expressed his unwavering trust in Shen Luo.

Shen Luo learned from Wu Jingjing that Wu Julan experienced these episodes of weakness every month, leaving her deeply concerned about his delicate health. Later, she personally cooked several dishes for Wu Julan. He candidly told her the food was not good, pointing out mistakes like adding MSG to scrambled eggs. Annoyed, Shen Luo deliberately put a large piece of egg into his bowl.

Seeing his resigned expression as he ate, Shen Luo was amused, and they both shared a laugh. Jiang Yisheng, determined to teach his students the art of chasing girls, targeted Wu Jingjing as his "target." He initiated a flamboyant approach, calling out to "Liangliang," but Wu Jingjing quickly rebuffed him with physical force.

His students expressed concern about his injuries, to which Jiang Yisheng proudly declared it was merely "tuition" for the "most useful and most commonly used skill" in chasing girls, implying he was "just getting started." Later, at the hospital, Jiang Yisheng encountered Wu Jingjing again and tried to continue his pursuit. She clearly expressed her disinterest and pushed him away. Mistaking her rejection for jealousy, Jiang Yisheng proceeded to greet passing nurses, but none responded, which surprised Wu Jingjing.

She soon learned that Jiang Yisheng had spread rumors that she was madly in love with him and had resorted to self-harm out of jealousy whenever he interacted with other women. Upon hearing these rumors, Wu Jingjing furiously confronted him, kicking and hitting him. On a video call with An Zuo, Zhou Buwen was told that the full moon was Wu Julan's weakest time and that he should seize the opportunity to act. An Zuo promised to send reinforcements.

Zhou Buwen attempted to inquire about Wu Julan's identity, but An Zuo quickly cut him off. As Wu Julan's condition worsened, he struggled on his way back from buying groceries. His arm became too weak to hold the basket, which fell to the ground, revealing scales emerging on his right arm. Zhou Buwen, observing from a distance, noticed the strange change on Wu Julan's wrist. Startled, Wu Julan quickly hid his arm.

Zhou Buwen then approached and deliberately offered the fallen basket to Wu Julan's right hand, but Wu Julan's swift reaction prevented Zhou Buwen from discovering anything unusual. Shen Luo returned home to find Wu Julan lying motionless on a rattan chair, his eyes closed. She called out to him repeatedly, but he didn't stir. Fearing the worst, she leaned down to check for his heartbeat.

Just then, a flower petal gently drifted down in front of them, and Wu Julan suddenly awoke. He tenderly held Shen Luo's hand, gazing deeply into her eyes as he gently removed the petal from her hair. They shared a silent, intimate moment. Their reverie was broken by the arrival of Wu Jingjing. Embarrassed, Shen Luo quickly hurried away, but not before inviting Wu Jingjing to the birthday party at 6 PM.

Wu Jingjing worried that Wu Julan might revert to his original form and scare Shen Luo at the party. Wu Julan agreed to attend, but Wu Jingjing said she would come pick him up later to ensure he left. Later that day, a woman arrived at Shen Luo's house. When asked, she identified herself as Shen Luo's stepmother.

She immediately confronted Wu Julan, accusing Shen Luo of "bringing a shady person" into the house so soon after her grandfather's death and engaging in "illegal cohabitation." Shen Luo denied Wu Julan was her boyfriend, clarifying he was just a good friend, but her stepmother remained skeptical, pointing out he was living in the house and even washing her clothes.

The stepmother then informed Shen Luo that her father was busy overseas and her younger brother was studying, so she was there to represent the family for Grandpa's funeral. She stated that they had decided on a simple funeral and then immediately shifted to the topic of inheritance. She announced that Grandpa had left 100,000 yuan in bonds, which would be split equally between Shen Luo and her brother.

She then suggested selling the house, estimating its value at 500,000 yuan, to be split 25,000 each. Shen Luo was furious, pointing out that none of them had visited Grandpa when he was ill, and now their only concern was selling the house. The stepmother retorted that Shen Luo was "immature" and that as "first heirs," she and Shen Luo's father were being generous by offering half.

Shen Luo adamantly declared her intention to keep the house, explaining that it held all her memories of Grandpa and was the only warm memory from her childhood. She questioned what she would use to reminisce about him if the house was sold. The stepmother dismissed her sentiments, demanding that if Shen Luo wished to keep the house, she must pay her brother's share. She then declared she would not leave until the house was sold.

Shen Luo vowed to fight to the end to protect her grandfather's house, despite her lack of funds. Shen Luo confided in Jiang Yisheng and Zhou Buwen about her financial dilemma. Jiang Yisheng initially offered 50,000 yuan, lamenting that "dating is expensive" and he couldn't spare much more. Zhou Buwen, however, promised to help his childhood friend. Jiang Yisheng then teased Zhou Buwen for only being good to Shen Luo.

Unbeknownst to Shen Luo, Zhou Buwen had secretly contacted her stepmother, instructing her to raise the price of the house to one million yuan and demand 550,000 from Shen Luo. He also advised the stepmother not to lend Shen Luo any money. Zhou Buwen revealed to the stepmother his ulterior motive: he had liked Shen Luo since childhood and wanted to acquire both the house and Shen Luo.

Shen Luo had gathered 300,000 yuan for her brother's share, but her stepmother now demanded 550,000, claiming the house was worth 1 million. Shen Luo angrily accused her stepmother of intentionally increasing the price, but her stepmother retorted that her ability to sell the house for a high price was a sign of her capability, and that Shen Luo should be happy to get more money.

The stepmother also urged Shen Luo to quickly find the remaining money, refusing to waste time arguing. Jiang Yisheng, exasperated, commented on the stepmother's shrewdness. Zhou Buwen stated he couldn't lend any more money. Jiang Yisheng, unable to tolerate the situation, proposed a plan to scare the stepmother into compliance. Jiang Yisheng, disguised as Shen Luo's deceased grandfather, called out "Su Guifang!" to the stepmother.

He accused her of wanting to sell his house and threatened to live with her in the city to "watch" over her and "teach her how to be a human" in the afterlife. A terrified Su Guifang initially pleaded for forgiveness, offering to take only 300,000 yuan, but then tried to bargain for 450,000. Jiang Yisheng, maintaining his ghostly persona, insisted on 300,000.

At this point, Wu Jingjing appeared, confronting Jiang Yisheng about his "fake ghost" act, while Su Guifang defiantly declared she wasn't afraid of fake ghosts and would "rip even a real ghost to shreds." Later, however, Su Guifang called Shen Luo, appearing deeply condemned by her conscience, insisting she would only take 300,000 yuan for Shen Luo's brother's share and quickly departed.

Jiang Yisheng, proud of his initial prank, boasted about his acting skills, but Wu Jingjing reminded him of the earlier beating he received. Shen Luo expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone, especially Zhou Buwen, for their unwavering support and financial assistance. Later, Zhou Buwen met with a contact who confirmed that a picture he had provided showed no signs of manipulation, confirming its authenticity. The contact then mentioned his own financial need, asking Zhou Buwen to think of him.

Shen Luo confronted Wu Julan, asking if he was the one who truly scared her stepmother, pointing out that Jiang Yisheng's "fake ghost" couldn't do it, but he had managed to give her a huge shock. She asked if he was "really a ghost" and playfully requested him to "act it out." Wu Julan, however, simply replied that he was busy working.

He flashed back to a memory of himself as a child, hungry and scared, being comforted by a figure he called "Father." In the present, he vowed to find the spiritual pearl. Separately, An Zuo confronted Zhou Buwen, who nervously claimed he was merely checking a laptop found by the hotel owner to see if it belonged to An Zuo. An Zuo, however, revealed he could remotely control his laptop and accused Zhou Buwen of lying.

He then revealed his true identity as the "Black Wizard," explaining that while his public identity was a researcher, he possessed an ancient, hidden identity. He boasted of his capabilities, such as using sonar to control bats and drugs to enhance himself, far beyond anything in the laptop. He warned Zhou Buwen that knowing dangerous secrets could lead to a swift death but assured him he would be safe as long as he remained useful.

Wu Jingjing shared her findings with Wu Julan, revealing that Zhou Buwen had been searching the island for 19th-century silver antiques, specifically silver tubes, and wondered if he, too, was looking for the spiritual pearl. She confirmed that Zhou Buwen worked for An Zuo, having seen him in An Zuo's room. Wu Julan questioned how much Zhou Buwen knew and whether he was affiliated with the Black Wizard.

Wu Jingjing stated that she had personally tested him and he "didn't know anything." Wu Jingjing then hypnotized Zhou Buwen, guiding him into a relaxed state to extract information about An Zuo. Under hypnosis, Zhou Buwen confirmed An Zuo as a customer for whom he bought antiques. When pressed, he further revealed that he had purchased bandages, gauze, and blood-clotting medicine for An Zuo, but insisted there was nothing else.

Upon waking, a disoriented Zhou Buwen was told by Wu Jingjing that he had collapsed from heatstroke and she had brought him to her house to rest. He thanked her and left. Wu Julan, still weakened, admitted he hadn't been able to sense the spiritual pearl the previous night. He suspected the attackers were sent by the Black Wizard. Wu Jingjing, however, insisted she had seen An Zuo leave.

She questioned why Wu Julan didn't suspect Shen Luo, given she was a descendant of his enemy. Wu Julan firmly stated that he would never doubt a woman who was willing to fight for him. At the birthday party, everyone had gathered. Wu Jingjing arrived and informed Shen Luo that Wu Julan was unwell and couldn't come. Jiang Yisheng expressed his disappointment for Shen Luo, who had gone to such lengths to prepare the party.

Realizing it was Wu Julan's birthday celebration, Wu Jingjing immediately returned to tell him. Dejected by Wu Julan's absence, Shen Luo listlessly poked at the cake as darkness fell. Zhu Yiyang and Jiang Yisheng, while changing a lightbulb, noticed Zhou Buyan approaching. Zhu Yiyang, in his excitement, accidentally pulled Jiang Yisheng down, causing them to tumble together. Zhou Buwen joined Shen Luo, offering her a drink, and Zhou Buyan quickly followed, urging Shen Luo to drink as well.

Shen Luo forced a smile. Suddenly, Wu Julan arrived, and all the lights in the vicinity immediately illuminated. He took the wine glass from Shen Luo, returned it to Zhou Buyan, took Shen Luo's hand, and led her away without looking back. Zhou Buyan teased her brother about his failed party plans, now that Shen Luo had been "stolen" by someone else.

Zhou Buwen, far from being angry, seemed pleased and secretly dispatched people to follow Wu Julan and Shen Luo. Wu Julan led Shen Luo into a forest, gently chiding her for not telling him about the birthday party. He then blindfolded her, promising her a gift. He summoned countless fireflies, filling the night sky with a shimmering glow. Shen Luo, overcome with joy, jumped up and down like a child.

She enthusiastically hugged Wu Julan, but he suddenly began to feel unwell again. Sensing approaching figures, he quickly pulled Shen Luo into hiding. The attackers, however, swiftly caught up to them and began to strike them with sticks. Wu Julan, weakened, was quickly knocked unconscious. Shen Luo bravely seized a stick and fought back fiercely, but she was outnumbered and eventually also knocked out.

Just then, Wu Jingjing arrived on Jiang Yisheng's motorcycle, quickly subdued the assailants, and rescued Wu Julan. The following morning, Shen Luo awoke alone. She called out for Wu Julan, fearing he had been abducted by the attackers. As she walked and called his name, she stumbled and fell. At that moment, Wu Julan appeared. He gently picked her up and carried her home.

Back at home, Wu Julan carefully applied medicine to Shen Luo's wounds and massaged her shoulder with safflower oil. Shen Luo flinched from the pain and struggled, accidentally tearing her clothes. Wu Julan softly told her not to struggle, as it would only reveal more. Seeing her facial injuries, Shen Luo worried aloud that she would be disfigured and unwanted.

Wu Julan sincerely assured her that she was the most beautiful woman in his heart and that he would always be by her side, even if everyone else left her. Shen Luo looked at him tenderly, resting her head on his chest, and distinctly felt his heart racing. They held each other close, as if time had momentarily stopped. Suddenly, Shen Luo awkwardly changed the subject, urging Wu Julan to recover quickly and find work to earn money.

She also pressed him about his whereabouts the previous night. Just then, Wu Jingjing and Jiang Yisheng entered. Wu Jingjing explained that she had taken Wu Julan away due to the severity of his condition. Jiang Yisheng, noticing the clear affection between Wu Julan and Shen Luo, playfully teased them. Wu Julan, blushing, excused himself to feed the lambs, his mind awash with thoughts.

He recalled his first encounter with Shen Luo and the numerous times he had risked his life to save her, realizing that he had, without knowing it, fallen deeply in love with her. Zhou Buwen reported to An Zuo that the plan to kidnap Wu Julan had failed because a woman had intervened and rescued him. An Zuo paused thoughtfully, suspecting the woman was Wu Jingjing.

Zhou Buwen then attempted to ask about Wu Julan's arm, but An Zuo sternly warned him against asking any more questions. As Zhou Buyan entered the room, An Zuo quickly ended the video call. Later, Zhou Buwen visited Shen Luo, feigning deep concern for her injuries, but his true intention was to gather information about Wu Julan.

Episode 8 Recap

Shen Luo recounted to Zhou Buwen that the recent attacks targeting them seemed to be orchestrated during Wu Julan's weakest moments. She also mentioned an incident where Wu Julan, during one of his episodes, threw her grandfather's most precious wine, which she managed to retrieve. Zhou Buwen, feigning concern that Wu Julan would be upset if he knew, offered to dispose of the wine for her.

Shen Luo directed him to where it was, and Zhou Buwen then purposefully collected the very same poisoned wine that had once harmed Wu Julan. Despite the recent earnings from selling sashimi, Shen Luo still felt burdened by debt. She offered half of the money to Wu Julan, but he only took a small amount, telling her to use the rest to pay off her creditors. While this pleased her, Shen Luo remained worried about her overall financial situation.

With the island's fishing season closed, Shen Luo expressed frustration at the difficulty of finding a job on the island, lamenting the limited opportunities. She had considered various roles, such as a hotel employee, ferry ticket sales staff, or a tour guide, but consistently found herself lacking the necessary education, experience, or certifications. She specifically mentioned owing a significant sum to Zhou Buwen and Jiang Yisheng, and even playfully complained about Wu Julan "staying at my place for nothing."

Wu Julan acknowledged the island's limited job market and noted that, given her lack of qualifications and delicate health, he was likely the only one who would take her in, though he quickly retracted the comment. Shen Luo, however, insisted on her capabilities, believing she could find a job. With the island's fishing season closed, Shen Luo proposed a new plan: making and selling seashell necklaces. Wu Julan accompanied her to the beach.

Due to the area's growing tourism, most beautiful shells had already been collected, but Wu Julan guided her to another spot where she discovered a rare rose spindle shell, previously thought to be extinct. Shen Luo excitedly began sharing her knowledge about shells, only to find that Wu Julan possessed an even deeper understanding.

He explained the history of shells, from their use as burial items for the wealthy to luxury goods for the common people, and their current symbolism as tokens of love, before gifting her the spindle shell. Shen Luo playfully teased him, saying he sounded like an old man of the sea, and Wu Julan chuckled. As they enjoyed the water, Shen Luo stumbled, and Wu Julan caught her.

He leaned in as if to kiss her, but she unexpectedly spat a mouthful of water on his face. Meanwhile, Jiang Yisheng continued his persistent pursuit of Wu Liangliang. He approached her at the hospital, presenting her with a rose, and then offered her a hair clip. Wu Liangliang was unamused, pointing out that all the nurses in the hospital had the same clip, suggesting he had bought them wholesale. Jiang Yisheng defended his economical choice.

Later, pretending to be a patient in Jiang Yisheng’s office, Wu Liangliang sternly pointed out that due to his strict upbringing and high parental expectations, he had developed a low sense of self-worth. This childhood trauma made him prone to promiscuity to gain confidence, despite being an excellent man. Jiang Yisheng was enlightened, realizing his philandering was a condition, and he became utterly impressed by Wu Liangliang, declaring his complete love for her.

Later, Jiang Yisheng received a phone call from Zhou Buwen, who asked him to pick someone up. Jiang Yisheng initially complained about the errand but quickly changed his tune when he saw Zhou Buwen's step-sister, Zhou Buyan. He immediately began to flirt, introducing himself as "Brother Jiang" and offering her discounts around the island. Zhou Buyan, however, was unimpressed, declaring that she only loved her big brother the best.

Zhou Buwen soon intervened, and they made their way to Shen Luo's house for dinner. At Shen Luo's home, Jiang Yisheng playfully teased Zhou Buwen, implying that he was spending too much time with Shen Luo and had even brought his sister along because of his growing affection. Zhou Buwen introduced Zhou Buyan to Shen Luo, explaining that his step-sister, a history major, was now helping him.

Shen Luo, ever conscious of her financial woes, insisted that her guests pay for their meal, stating that their dinner had consumed two days' worth of her food money. She then suggested that if they wouldn't pay, they should at least help her and Wu Julan find work. Both Zhou Buwen and Jiang Yisheng promised to brainstorm ideas. Later, Zhou Buyan asked Zhou Buwen to take her sightseeing.

He declined, citing other commitments, which prompted her to question if he was avoiding her because of Shen Luo, whom she suspected was his childhood crush. She declared that he was "not allowed to like her anymore." Zhou Buwen told her to stop acting like a child, as they were in public, and took her to eat.

Still struggling with her significant debt, Shen Luo calculated that selling seashell necklaces at ten yuan each, with a five yuan profit, would only yield 1,500 yuan a month. At this rate, it would take twenty years to pay off her 200,000 yuan debt, by which time she would be 45 years old. She dramatically declared she was entering "menopause" prematurely due to the stress and wondered aloud why Wu Julan was still preoccupied with a "stupid piece of wood."

Wu Julan then informed Shen Luo that he had invited over ten people for dinner that evening, instructing her to prepare the courtyard with tables, chairs, bowls, chopsticks, food, and wine. Shen Luo was initially indignant, given their financial struggles, but decided she "cannot embarrass myself" and proceeded with the preparations. That evening, Wu Julan returned with an enormous "sea phoenix" fish. Villagers gathered, marveling at its size and rarity.

Shen Luo, seizing the opportunity, declared her home the "Hai Luo Little Diner" and charged 1,000 yuan per person for dinner. Jiang Yisheng jokingly inquired if he could eat as an employee since he had helped. Wu Julan then showcased extraordinary fish carving skills, employing a Tang Dynasty method, and even played a captivating melody, "Sea of the Summer Night Sky", on an ancient zither he crafted from a piece of wood.

The guests were enthralled, praising the "exquisite Tang dynasty ancient feast" and Wu Julan's exceptional talent. One guest offered him 500,000 yuan annually to be an executive chef, but Shen Luo proudly refused, stating that Wu Julan was her "top talent" whom she had trained, and he would not leave. Others clamored to make reservations, some even for the following year. Shen Luo, ecstatic, collected payments, accumulating a substantial sum of money.

Overjoyed, she asked Wu Julan to pinch her to ensure she wasn't dreaming, reveling in their newfound wealth. Observing Wu Julan's sudden and remarkable talents, both in catching the rare fish and his refined skills, Jiang Yisheng and Zhou Buwen found it highly suspicious. Zhou Buwen wondered how Wu Julan could have acquired such abilities so quickly, implying he was "not a simple person."

Jiang Yisheng suggested he might have learned since childhood, but Zhou Buwen accused him of being "full of jealousy." Later that evening, after the guests departed, a slightly inebriated Shen Luo confided in Wu Julan that she did not believe in love, calling it a belief for "crazy people" and something she would "never fall in love" with. Wu Julan attempted to reason with her, but she questioned how feelings could develop from mere "hugs and kisses."

She then leaned close to him, asking if kissing him would create any feelings, and playfully kissed his cheek. Wu Julan was visibly affected by the gesture. Shen Luo then expressed her sheer joy at being newly wealthy. Separately, Zhou Buwen received a phone call from An Zuo, who commended his preparedness against Wu Liangliang. An Zuo then assigned Zhou Buwen a new mission: to "bring me Wu Julan" using "extreme methods," but without killing anyone.

Zhou Buwen, referring to himself as "just an antiques dealer," expressed hesitation. An Zuo, however, asserted that knowing his true identity meant Zhou Buwen was no longer "simple" and that working for him was a "shortcut to extreme wealth," promising fame and wealth upon successful completion of the task. Wu Liangliang later confronted Wu Julan, having heard the villagers discuss his extraordinary fish cooking and zither playing.

She expressed concern that his actions were raising suspicions about his identity and were "too risky." She believed he had already done "too much for Shen Luo," warning that his identity would eventually be exposed and bring him "unnecessary troubles." She then directly asked if he was "really in love with Shen Luo." Wu Julan's silence served as a confirmation of her suspicions.

Meanwhile, An Zuo, whose father had passed away, had been keeping his father's body in a secret room, hoping to revive him with the spiritual pearl. He believed only Shen Luo knew its whereabouts, as Wu Julan was too weak to have found it. Later, Wu Julan and Shen Luo returned to the beach to collect more shells. Shen Luo walked off to search near the cliffs, leaving Wu Julan to wait.

Suddenly, An Zuo, who had recovered from his injuries, appeared behind Shen Luo and aggressively demanded the spiritual pearl. Shen Luo, not understanding what he meant, was bewildered. Wu Julan sensed Shen Luo was in danger and saw An Zuo attempting to grab her. Shen Luo accidentally fell into the sea, and Wu Julan immediately jumped in after her.

To his astonishment, Shen Luo's body began to emit a soft light, surrounded by a multitude of fish, with a large fish even supporting her from beneath. Wu Julan quickly swam to her, pulled her from the water, and carried her home. Upon waking, Shen Luo recounted the strange man's demand for a "silver box" and her confusion, as she had no knowledge of such an item.

Wu Julan, feigning an errand, immediately went to Wu Liangliang and made a video call to his grandmother. He described Shen Luo's glowing body and the surrounding fish. His grandmother confirmed that the spiritual pearl was indeed within Shen Luo. She explained that there were only two ways to retrieve it: either by using the Black Wizard's black magic knife, which had been missing for over a century, or through a true love's kiss from Shen Luo.

If Shen Luo genuinely loved Wu Julan and kissed him, the spiritual pearl would automatically return to his body. However, Wu Julan expressed his unwillingness to exploit Shen Luo's feelings to obtain the pearl.

Episode 9 Recap

Wu Jingjing met with Wu Julan, expressing concern that his actions, such as cooking fish and making an ancient zither, had made the villagers suspicious of his identity. She warned him that his excessive involvement with Shen Luo was risky and could lead to his identity being revealed, causing him unnecessary trouble. Wu Julan assured her he had his own plans and was aware of the risks.

Wu Jingjing then questioned if he was truly falling in love with Shen Luo, reminding him that Shen Luo was a descendant of Du Xiaolin, his ancestral enemy, and that he absolutely could not fall for her. Wu Julan vehemently denied any romantic feelings. Wu Jingjing also voiced her suspicion that Shen Luo and her grandfather might have deliberately orchestrated the disappearance of the spiritual pearl.

Wu Julan dismissed her theories as "baseless guesses" and said he was tired, wanting to rest. Before he left, Wu Jingjing reminded him that the fifteenth of the lunar month was approaching, and he should leave as soon as he found the spiritual pearl. Despite her warnings, Wu Jingjing understood that the spiritual pearl was within Shen Luo, and the only way to retrieve it was for Shen Luo to fall in love with Wu Julan.

Knowing Wu Julan's inexperience with pursuing women, Wu Jingjing decided to help him. The next morning, Shen Luo woke up feeling regretful and embarrassed, checking her appearance and wondering if she had "done that" to Wu Julan while drunk. She internally scolded herself for being "so thirsty" and making a move on him. When Wu Julan appeared, Shen Luo confronted him, demanding he clarify what happened the previous night. Wu Julan teased her, asking if she had forgotten.

He then recounted how she had clung to him, repeatedly rubbed her face against his chest, called him her best friend, claimed not to believe in love, but expressed a desire to "see what a kiss tasted like." Shen Luo was mortified, insisting she wasn't that crazy and that anything said while drunk didn't count, and she wouldn't take responsibility.

She was still embarrassed, wondering if she actually kissed him, and how she could face him living under the same roof. Jiang Yisheng, determined to win Wu Jingjing, gathered her and all the female nurses who liked him. He dramatically declared his intention to "retire from the martial world" and only love Wu Jingjing from now on. The nurses, angered by his grand pronouncement, swarmed him and beat him, leaving him bruised and swollen.

Wu Jingjing, finding the scene unamusing, left. After extricating himself, a battered Jiang Yisheng found Wu Jingjing and tearfully complained about his misfortune. Taking the opportunity, Wu Jingjing subtly asked Jiang Yisheng for advice on how to make Shen Luo fall in love, inquiring about her preferences. Jiang Yisheng, misinterpreting Wu Jingjing's interest, suddenly realized why she had always rejected him: he thought she was in love with Shen Luo.

He then casually listed a few insignificant things Shen Luo liked. However, when he recounted how Shen Luo had almost died after falling into the sea as a child, and how her grandfather, against all medical odds, had miraculously saved her, Wu Jingjing immediately left. She went to inform her grandmother that Shen Luo's grandfather had not intentionally hidden the spiritual pearl, but had been compelled to use it to save Shen Luo's life.

Her grandmother then revealed that if Wu Julan were to retrieve the spiritual pearl, Shen Luo would quickly die, emphasizing that Wu Julan must never know this truth. Later, Shen Luo was washing clothes and stringing necklaces when Wu Julan returned. She called him over to help, and as they stomped on clothes in a large basin, Shen Luo slipped. Wu Julan caught her, holding her close and gazing intensely at her lips.

Wu Julan later left a love letter inside a seashell for Shen Luo. However, the letter, containing classical poetry from the "Book of Songs" expressing love, was incomprehensible to Shen Luo. Believing Wu Julan was deliberately mocking her, she grew angry and ordered him to go do some work, which he reluctantly did. Feeling despondent because of Wu Jingjing's inquiries about how to pursue Shen Luo, Jiang Yisheng sought out Zhou Buwen to vent his frustrations.

Zhou Buwen speculated that Wu Jingjing might have been asking on behalf of Wu Julan, implying that Wu Julan was pursuing Shen Luo first. Jiang Yisheng was greatly relieved to hear this, but the realization troubled Zhou Buwen. Jiang Yisheng later returned to Wu Jingjing to reconfirm that it was indeed Wu Julan who intended to pursue Shen Luo. Once assured, he enthusiastically promised to help.

He gave Wu Julan a complete makeover, including a new hairstyle, a pink shirt, and even cologne. This attempt backfired, however, as Shen Luo mistakenly thought Wu Julan looked like a nightclub attendant. With his plan a failure, Jiang Yisheng decided to try a grander gesture: arranging for Wu Julan to invite Shen Luo to a temple fair. Zhou Buwen found a new, secluded residence for An Zuo.

When he offered to help An Zuo move his belongings, An Zuo declined, wary that Zhou Buwen might try to steal from him again. Zhou Buyan, frequently stood up by her brother Zhou Buwen who used being busy as an excuse, felt bored and went to a bar. There, she spotted Zhu Yiyang and tried to pry information from him about what her brother was so busy with, but Zhu Yiyang didn't know.

He mentioned there would be a temple fair the next day and invited her to go with him. Zhou Buyan, upon hearing about the temple fair, walked away absorbed in her own thoughts, completely disregarding Zhu Yiyang's invitation. Later, Zhou Buyan confronted Zhou Buwen, demanding he pack his things and return home with her, upset that he was never nice to her since coming to the island.

Zhou Buwen made excuses about being busy with work and promised to take her out in a few days. To appease her, he also revealed he had ordered a limited edition purse for her. Zhou Buyan, pleased, warned him not to anger her, or she would tell their father, who had financed his company. To invite Shen Luo to the temple fair, Wu Julan spent several nights making wind chimes and also prepared breakfast for her.

Seeing his diligent efforts to please her, Shen Luo agreed to go with him. On the day of the temple fair, the island was bustling with unprecedented activity. Zhu Yiyang waited anxiously with two ice creams for Zhou Buyan, only to see her arrive hand-in-hand with Zhou Buwen. Wu Julan and Shen Luo arrived together, as did Wu Jingjing and Jiang Yisheng. Jiang Yisheng pulled Wu Jingjing away, leaving Wu Julan and Shen Luo to explore the fair.

Wu Julan proved to be exceptionally skilled at every game, hitting every balloon with perfect aim and easily winning prizes from claw machines. The exasperated stall owners, suspecting cheating, chased after them, forcing Wu Julan and Shen Luo to flee. Exhausted from running, Shen Luo leaned into Wu Julan's chest. Wu Julan, visibly stirred, was about to kiss her when Zhou Buwen suddenly intervened, pulling them apart. He confronted Wu Julan, who, under pressure, admitted his feelings for Shen Luo.

This revelation startled Shen Luo, who quickly ran away, with Wu Julan in close pursuit. Zhou Buwen angrily confronted Jiang Yisheng, chastising him for helping someone else pursue Shen Luo, despite knowing that Zhou Buwen had harbored feelings for her for many years. Just then, Zhou Buyan caught up to her brother, overheard the conversation, and got into a heated argument with him. Zhou Buwen sharply told Zhou Buyan to mind her own business.

Shen Luo ran to the beach, with Wu Julan following close behind. Shen Luo, feeling shy, hid, but Wu Julan had already spotted her. Wu Julan declared to Shen Luo that he would officially pursue her from that moment on. Shen Luo believed he was acting on impulse, finding it unlikely he would be genuinely interested in an ordinary, stingy, and short-tempered girl like herself. However, in Wu Julan's eyes, all these traits had become endearing qualities.

Shen Luo sought Jiang Yisheng's help, wanting to get rid of Wu Julan. Jiang Yisheng advised her that if she truly didn't like him, she should take action to make him give up. Later that day, as Wu Julan and Shen Luo were selling wind chimes, a group of young women, smitten with Wu Julan, surrounded him, eager to take photos.

Seeing an opportunity, Shen Luo quickly began collecting money from the girls, willing to "sacrifice" Wu Julan's image for profit, hoping to anger him. As the girls eagerly crowded around, Shen Luo was suddenly pushed by the throng and fell directly into Wu Julan's arms, her lips accidentally brushing against his cheek. Mortified by the unexpected kiss, Shen Luo was overcome with embarrassment, and the angered girls dispersed. Zhou Buwen was taking a shower when his phone rang.

Coincidentally, Zhou Buyan entered and answered it. She discovered that Zhou Buwen had reserved a bar on the island. Believing it was a surprise for her, she was overjoyed. Jiang Yisheng, leading people disguised as water meter readers, broke into Wu Jingjing's home. Jiang Yisheng declared that Wu Jingjing was the person who understood him best, and he would now earnestly "cure his illness" and be a good person.

Wu Jingjing tried to drive him away, but Jiang Yisheng stubbornly refused to leave. He then accidentally saw a photo of An Zuo. From Wu Jingjing's panicked expression, he correctly guessed An Zuo was her ex-boyfriend. Worried that Jiang Yisheng would continue to be bothersome, Wu Jingjing drove him out. Meanwhile, Wu Julan was experiencing one of his periodic weaknesses. Shen Luo found him collapsed and grew worried, wondering if he was suffering from shock or worsening depression.

Jiang Yisheng, called to examine him, assured her Wu Julan was fine and simply needed rest. He explained that Wu Julan experiences such weakness a few days each month, but it's not an illness and requires no treatment. Wu Jingjing, witnessing Wu Julan's weakened state, again urged him to move to her place, arguing that his current state made him vulnerable and that his true form might be revealed. Wu Julan, however, refused, stating that leaving would arouse suspicion.

Zhou Buwen, dressed immaculately after his shower, arrived at the bar, intending to take Shen Luo out for what he envisioned as a romantic dinner and a confession. Wu Julan tried to stop Shen Luo from going, but she insisted, hoping to make him give up. Zhou Buwen had arranged a very grand and romantic setting, clearly for a confession. However, before Zhou Buwen could finish speaking, Shen Luo interrupted him with an excuse to go to the restroom. Just then, Zhou Buyan arrived at the bar, looking for Zhou Buwen.

Episode 10 Recap

Shen Luo quickly realized Zhou Buwen was about to confess his feelings and excused herself to the restroom. She recalled how, as children, Zhou Buwen had asked her to wait for his return when he left the island. At the time, she had asked Jiang Yisheng to convey her view of him as just a good friend, wishing to avoid a direct refusal. Now, she found herself in the same situation again.

Zhou Buyan's unexpected arrival at the bar surprised her brother, Zhou Buwen, who urged her to leave. As a waiter approached with champagne and a large bouquet of flowers, Zhou Buyan mistakenly thought they were for her and delightedly claimed them. However, Shen Luo returned from the restroom, and Zhou Buwen clarified that the gifts were for her. Enraged, Zhou Buyan scorned Shen Luo, calling her unfashionable and unworthy of competing with her. Uncomfortable, Shen Luo quickly left.

Worried about Shen Luo's reaction, Zhou Buwen shrugged off his sister and chased after Shen Luo. He continued his confession, repeatedly asserting that he was the most suitable partner for her and that his wealth would guarantee her happiness. Shen Luo firmly rejected him, stating they were fundamentally incompatible. Zhou Buwen, convinced that Wu Julan had misled her, grabbed Shen Luo's shoulders, persisting in his advances. Just then, Wu Julan arrived and declared his own feelings for Shen Luo.

Zhou Buwen dismissed Wu Julan as overconfident, but Wu Julan countered, accusing Zhou Buwen of not truly knowing Shen Luo. Wu Julan stated that despite Shen Luo's outward claims of loving money, she was a person of profound loyalty and integrity. When Zhou Buwen removed his shirt, preparing to fight, Shen Luo intervened. She pleaded with Zhou Buwen to respect her decision, then took Wu Julan by the hand and left.

They walked to the seaside, where Shen Luo told Wu Julan that she could not accept his feelings either. She explained that growing up, she had witnessed her parents' constant arguments and bitter divorce, which had shattered her belief in love. To her, love was merely a beautiful, fleeting illusion, and she felt she could only rely on herself. She asked Wu Julan to give up on her.

Wu Julan called her a coward, afraid to pursue happiness for fear of getting hurt. He took her hand, urging her to try a relationship with him, but Shen Luo, flustered, ran away. Zhou Buyan angrily confronted Zhou Buwen, demanding to know why he preferred Shen Luo over her. Zhou Buwen, equally agitated, retorted that everyone knew about his feelings for Shen Luo, causing Zhou Buyan to storm off.

At this time, An Zuo called Zhou Buwen, asking for all death records from the island hospital for the past 30 years. Zhou Buwen wanted to know if there were any hints, but An Zuo told him not to be clever. Elsewhere, An Zuo received a report from his subordinate regarding the previous night's failed attempt to attack Wu Julan. The subordinate explained that the plan was going well until a skilled woman intervened and thwarted their efforts.

He also mentioned noticing something unusual growing on Wu Julan's hand. An Zuo warned him to curb his curiosity. Later, Wu Julan and Wu Liangliang discussed the failed attack. Wu Julan dismissed Wu Liangliang's suspicions about Shen Luo, refusing to distrust someone who had risked her life to save him. Zhou Buyan, still angry, went to a bar to drink. Zhu Yiyang followed her and helped her finish her drinks.

Zhou Buyan asked him who was prettier, her or Shen Luo. Zhu Yiyang unequivocally declared Zhou Buyan to be the most beautiful and vowed to do anything to make her happy, which amused her. On her way home from buying groceries, Shen Luo noticed An Zuo looking lost with a map. He claimed to have just moved to the island and couldn't find his way back home after his first outing, so Shen Luo kindly offered to help him.

Wu Julan and Shen Luo later discussed the money earned from their sashimi feast. Wu Julan, indifferent to the sum, left it to Shen Luo. With the fishing season over, Shen Luo suggested they make seashell necklaces and wind chimes to sell, confidently stating her beauty would attract customers. Wu Julan found her amusing.

He then took her to a secluded spot by the ocean to collect seashells, where he displayed extensive knowledge of various shell types, including extinct ones, much to Shen Luo's amazement. She playfully called him an "old man that lives by the sea." Wu Julan then called Shen Luo on a new cellphone he had acquired, telling her she would now always be able to reach him.

Back at home, Wu Julan grew concerned when Shen Luo didn't return from her errands. He, Wu Liangliang, and Jiang Yisheng went to search for her. Wu Julan had a premonition, which was confirmed when they found Shen Luo's discarded vegetable basket by the roadside, realizing she was in danger. Suspecting An Zuo, Wu Liangliang fired a flare in a secluded area.

An Zuo quickly appeared, and Wu Liangliang immediately confronted him, attacking him and demanding to know Shen Luo's whereabouts. She angrily recalled their past, when An Zuo chose to join the Black Witches to revive his deceased father, forcing their painful separation due to her family's ancestral duty to protect mermaids. An Zuo, dodging her attacks, eventually grabbed her shoulders, stated he had not abducted Shen Luo but knew where she was, and then left without looking back.

Zhou Buwen suddenly realized his sister was involved and rushed to the beach. Shen Luo had indeed been abducted by Zhou Buyan and Zhu Yiyang and was trapped in an abandoned shipping container by the sea. They tormented her by tickling her feet, ignoring her protests of disinterest in Zhou Buwen, as Zhou Buyan feared Shen Luo would try to seduce her brother again. The two then left to get food, locking Shen Luo inside.

As the tide rose, the container began to flood, and Shen Luo screamed for help. Zhu Yiyang and a very drunk Zhou Buyan were nearby on the beach, where Zhu Yiyang chastised Zhou Buyan for her obsession with the "unfashionable and poor Shen Luo." Zhou Buwen arrived, finding his sister and Zhu Yiyang in a drunken stupor.

Having suspected Zhou Buyan's jealousy was the motive, he desperately tried to wake her to find out where Shen Luo was hidden, but she was too inebriated to respond. The seawater completely submerged Shen Luo. Wu Julan, sensing her distress, arrived at the beach and swam into the container. He effortlessly broke her chains and told her to take a deep breath. Believing she was dying, Shen Luo expressed worries about her grandfather's house and her sheep.

Wu Julan carried her to shore. Witnessing the rescue, Zhou Buwen clenched his fists in bitter frustration before leaving. Once Shen Luo was home, she immediately pulled open Wu Julan's collar, surprised to find his neck normal when she distinctly remembered it being icy cold in the sea. Jiang Yisheng motioned for Wu Julan to confess, but Wu Julan pretended not to understand. Jiang Yisheng then demanded Shen Luo take responsibility for Wu Julan.

Shen Luo, embarrassed, quickly excused herself to feed the sheep. Zhou Buwen then arrived, asking Shen Luo to forgive his sister. Shen Luo graciously accepted, calling it an accident and assuring him she wouldn't pursue the matter. She also advised Zhou Buwen to appreciate Zhou Buyan's affection, which deeply touched him. Jiang Yisheng, seeing an opportunity, urged Wu Julan to confess his feelings to Shen Luo, reminding him that women often express the opposite of what they truly mean.

Zhou Buwen visited Shen Luo, who was recovering. They discussed Wu Julan's "illness," with Shen Luo recalling how he became disoriented and accused her of poisoning his wine during a previous episode. Zhou Buwen then asked for the wine, which Shen Luo said was hidden in her grandfather's library drawer. Zhou Buwen later confronted Zhou Buyan and Zhu Yiyang about the kidnapping. Zhu Yiyang stepped in, claiming full responsibility for the plan. Enraged, Zhou Buwen kicked and punched Zhu Yiyang.

Afterward, as Zhou Buyan applied medicine to Zhu Yiyang's injuries, he expressed his willingness to take the beating for her, moving Zhou Buyan. Zhu Yiyang subsequently fell ill. Zhou Buwen asked Jiang Yisheng about the poisoning, who identified it as Angel's Trumpet, a substance that blocks the nervous system, causing hallucinations, vomiting, and coma. Jiang Yisheng wondered why Zhu Yiyang would consume such a plant, to which Zhou Buwen simply replied that Zhu Yiyang often ate the wrong things.

Zhou Buwen later consulted a book, which described Angel's Trumpet, also known as Tianzhu flower, as a natural enemy of mermaids, causing extreme weakness and death within a day if untreated. An Zuo, recalling his father's death, reflected on his vow to bring him back to life using the spiritual pearl.

He concluded that Wu Julan did not possess the pearl, as he exhibited weakness on the fifteenth of the month, and surmised that Shen Luo, as a descendant of Du Xiaolin, likely knew its whereabouts. Meanwhile, Zhu Yiyang surprised Wu Liangliang at her clinic, declaring his love for her and claiming she had cured him of his playboy tendencies. Wu Liangliang, however, was unimpressed and dismissed his attempts to gain her affection.

Jiang Yisheng, noticing Wu Julan's new phone, discovered it contained photos of Shen Luo sleeping and that she was his only contact. Jiang Yisheng teased Wu Julan, suggesting he was secretly in love and wanted to "pay her back with his body." Finally, Wu Julan told Shen Luo he wanted to take her on a date the following day and asked her to keep her schedule open. This news filled Shen Luo's mind with anticipation, leaving her tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Episode 11 Recap

Shen Luo spent a restless night, unable to sleep after learning that Wu Julan wanted to go on a date with her alone. She mistakenly believed he expected her to offer herself in return for his heroic act of saving her. Meanwhile, An Zuo followed Wu Jingjing back to the hospital, where Jiang Yisheng spotted him. Jiang Yisheng confronted An Zuo, attempting to hit him, but An Zuo quickly overpowered him.

Recognizing An Zuo as Wu Jingjing’s ex-boyfriend, Jiang Yisheng invited him to a bar to talk. There, Jiang Yisheng warned An Zuo to stay away from Wu Jingjing, asserting himself as her current boyfriend. An Zuo merely responded that he enjoyed challenges and found difficulty more interesting. Jiang Yisheng tried to get An Zuo drunk but ended up inebriated himself, and Wu Jingjing arrived to pull him away.

Zhou Buwen, disguised as a doctor, entered the hospital and copied death records, which he then gave to An Zuo. An Zuo soon discovered a record indicating Shen Luo had drowned and died, leading him to deduce that the spiritual pearl was within her, as only the pearl could grant resurrection. Shen Luo meticulously chose outfits for her date with Wu Julan, trying on several glamorous dresses in front of the mirror before settling on a very sensual one.

She then followed Wu Julan with her head down, feeling like a thief, to the Qingmu Inn. Seeing it was an inn, Shen Luo panicked, thinking Wu Julan intended to get a room, and tried to flee. Wu Julan firmly pulled her inside, and she mentally chastised him. However, when he produced a swimsuit and asked her to change, she realized he only wanted to teach her how to swim. She adamantly refused.

Remembering Jiang Yisheng's advice that when a girl says no, she means yes, Wu Julan encouraged her to get in the water. Under pressure, Shen Luo reluctantly admitted her fear of water, explaining that she had almost drowned as a child and was declared beyond saving by doctors before her grandfather miraculously revived her.

Hearing this, Wu Julan understood that the spiritual pearl must be inside her, and that there were only two ways to retrieve it: forcibly with the Black Wizard's lost black knife, or through true love's kiss, which would cause the pearl to return to him naturally. However, he knew that if the pearl was taken from her, Shen Luo would die. He quickly left on the pretext of having something else to do.

He found Wu Jingjing and informed her that he no longer desired the spiritual pearl, as taking it would cost Shen Luo her life. When he realized Wu Jingjing had already known this secret, his anger flared, causing all the surrounding wine glasses to shatter. Wu Jingjing knelt, begging for his forgiveness, and reminded him that if he did not retrieve the spiritual pearl, he would only live for another month.

Following Jiang Yisheng's advice, Shen Luo attempted to make Wu Julan fall for her. She called him, pretending to be drowning and asking for help. Her plan backfired when her leg genuinely cramped, and she actually started to drown. Wu Julan heard her desperate cries and quickly rescued her, bringing her to shore. Shen Luo closed her eyes, leaning in for a kiss.

However, Wu Julan, knowing that taking the spiritual pearl would end her life, turned his head, rejecting her. Jiang Yisheng later found Shen Luo talking to herself, enacting conversations that revolved entirely around Wu Julan. He realized she had developed feelings for him and promptly informed Wu Jingjing. Shen Luo, feeling Wu Julan's growing coldness despite her attempts to charm him, became despondent and went drinking. She quickly got drunk, repeatedly calling out Wu Julan’s name.

Zhou Buwen offered to take her home, but Jiang Yisheng intercepted. Wu Julan watched the heavily intoxicated Shen Luo, feeling a pang of concern. Shen Luo, in her drunken state, embraced Wu Julan, called him a "demon," and tried to forcefully push him onto the bed to kiss him. Wu Julan managed to evade her in time, and Shen Luo eventually drifted off to sleep. The next morning, Shen Luo woke up, remembering fragments of the previous night.

Noticing the red marks she had left on Wu Julan's neck, she feigned dizziness and quickly escaped. Zhou Buwen tried to persuade Zhou Buyan to leave the island, claiming work was busy, but she refused, determined to stay until her brother returned her affections. Upset, Zhou Buyan went drinking, and Zhu Yiyang joined her, consuming much of the alcohol himself. Zhou Buyan cried, expressing her frustration that her brother didn't understand her feelings, and Zhu Yiyang empathized deeply.

Later, Zhou Buwen invited Shen Luo to watch a movie. However, Wu Julan, using the excuse of a big client order, pulled Shen Luo away to the beach to collect shells. While they were there, An Zuo appeared and attempted to strangle Shen Luo. Wu Julan intervened, and a fierce fight ensued between him and An Zuo. Wu Julan, seemingly divinely aided, managed to injure An Zuo.

It was later revealed that Wu Julan had used a drug that caused a sudden surge in adrenaline, with the severe side effect of rapidly depleting his stamina. Consequently, Wu Julan became very weak, and An Zuo, gathering all his remaining strength, managed to stab him. Wu Jingjing rushed to the scene and pulled An Zuo away, taking him back to her home. An Zuo, misunderstanding her actions, believed Wu Jingjing still harbored feelings for him.

Soon after, Jiang Yisheng arrived, bringing Cantonese pastries for Wu Jingjing. Worried that Jiang Yisheng might discover An Zuo, Wu Jingjing quickly pulled him to the beach. Jiang Yisheng, seizing the opportunity, attempted to confess his feelings. However, Wu Jingjing, preoccupied with her thoughts, did not hear him. Mistaking her silence for acceptance, Jiang Yisheng tried to kiss her, only to be met with a slap across the face.

An Zuo later reflected on his fight with Wu Julan, remembering that Wu Julan had told him the spiritual pearl was within his body. Recalling Wu Julan's extraordinary "divine-like power" during their confrontation, An Zuo began to wonder if the spiritual pearl truly resided in Wu Julan.

Episode 12 Recap

Zhou Buwen confronted Jiang Yisheng, demanding to know what he was doing by helping Wu Julan pursue Shen Luo, given Zhou Buwen’s long-standing affection for her. Jiang Yisheng countered that Shen Luo clearly didn't like him, and a forced relationship wouldn't be sweet. He added that Wu Julan seemed like a good person who was sincere towards Shen Luo, and they should be blessed. He insisted they couldn't let Shen Luo remain single for life.

Zhou Buyan arrived, calling for her big brother, interrupting their argument. An Zuo had managed to escape from his fight with Wu Julan, thanks to Zhou Buwen rolling out an oil drum, which distracted Wu Julan. An Zuo thanked Zhou Buwen, not only offering him money but also revealing that Wu Julan was a merman and only An Zuo could defeat him.

He proposed a deeper collaboration: Zhou Buwen would help him defeat Wu Julan to obtain the spiritual pearl, and in return, Zhou Buwen could have Shen Luo. Zhou Buwen readily agreed. An Zuo was frequently lost in memories of his sweet past with Wu Jingjing. When he was at her home, he discovered their old photos together, further convincing him that Wu Jingjing still harbored feelings for him.

Meanwhile, Wu Julan came to Wu Jingjing and informed her that he had already clashed with An Zuo. He urged her to find An Zuo quickly, expressing suspicion about her strange behavior and how An Zuo remained unfound on such a small island. At that moment, An Zuo accidentally made a noise upstairs. Wu Julan looked up, but An Zuo quickly hid, and Wu Julan only saw a cat.

After Wu Julan left, Wu Jingjing told An Zuo that she only took him in because he promised to leave the island, as she wished to avoid unnecessary conflict, and not because of any lingering feelings, hoping to make him give up. An Zuo, however, did not believe he could not subdue Wu Jingjing. Shen Luo found Wu Julan’s shirt in the trash, stained with blood, and also picked up a scale.

Determined to prove she had indeed seen Wu Julan fighting a black-clad man, she attempted to take off Wu Julan’s shirt to check for wounds. Fortunately, Wu Jingjing appeared just in time. She explained that the bloodstains and scales were from Wu Julan helping an old woman clean fish. Shen Luo became convinced she was experiencing hallucinations, which explained why Jiang Yisheng had laughed at her.

She confided in Jiang Yisheng that she genuinely felt sick; whenever she saw Wu Julan, she couldn't help but fantasize about inappropriate scenarios. Seeing him knead dough, she imagined it was a massage for her. Watching a kissing scene on TV, she pictured herself kissing Wu Julan. After listening, Jiang Yisheng confirmed that Shen Luo had fallen in love with Wu Julan. Shen Luo dismissed his words but couldn't stop her wild thoughts about Wu Julan.

In an effort to cheer up Zhou Buyan, Zhu Yiyang rode a dilapidated tricycle, singing as he took her around. They visited a lighthouse, and while Zhu Yiyang enthusiastically explained things, Zhou Buyan found it boring and fell asleep. They continued their outing until dark, by which point the tricycle had a flat tire. Zhou Buyan wanted macarons, but Zhu Yiyang couldn't find any and bought other cakes instead, which Zhou Buyan rejected.

From that day on, Zhu Yiyang searched everywhere for macarons, but no one seemed to have seen them. Wu Jingjing arranged to meet Jiang Yisheng at a bar that evening. Jiang Yisheng was excited, sensing that something significant would happen. He even enlisted two friends, one to scatter flowers and another to play the violin. Lost in his fantasies, Jiang Yisheng saw Wu Jingjing approaching and felt overjoyed.

To his dismay, Wu Jingjing told him that a relationship between them was impossible, as she had no desire to date at the moment. Jiang Yisheng believed she still had feelings for her ex-boyfriend. Wu Jingjing reminded him to respect her decision and then left. Heartbroken, Jiang Yisheng tried to comfort himself, assuring himself that Wu Jingjing would regret it and beg to be with him one day.

After Shen Luo realized her feelings for Wu Julan, she started wearing heavy makeup daily to attract his attention. She invited Wu Julan to the movies, but he rejected her. Wu Julan explained that there had been a misunderstanding, stating that many differences existed between them and they could never be together. Shen Luo left feeling distraught. The more she thought about it, the sadder she became, breaking into tears.

Unbeknownst to Shen Luo, Wu Julan acted this way to protect her, as he had already fallen deeply in love with her and was pained to see her upset. Zhou Buwen was researching information about merfolk when Zhou Buyan arrived. She promised her brother that she would be obedient in the future and wouldn't need his care. Zhou Buwen impatiently tried to send her away, but she wanted to linger a bit longer, so Zhou Buwen eventually left himself.

Shen Luo, wearing a mask, went back to the hospital to see Jiang Yisheng. After Zhou Buwen left, Jiang Yisheng caught up to Zhou Buyan, telling her that her argument with Zhou Buwen was "manly." He then explained that he was helping Wu Julan for Shen Luo's happiness, vowing to show no mercy if Wu Julan ever wronged her. He also hoped to find his own happiness. Zhou Buyan, however, told him he wasn't her type.

Zhou Buwen received a phone call from the island bar, reminding him of his reservation. Zhou Buyan, who overheard, mistakenly thought her brother was planning a surprise for her. Wu Jingjing met Jiang Yisheng at the bar. He had dressed up in all black, thinking she liked that style, reminiscing about her ex-boyfriend. Wu Jingjing was displeased, stating she hated men in black clothes and told him to get lost.

Jiang Yisheng tried to clarify, but Wu Jingjing abruptly left, reminding him to respect her decision. Zhou Buwen had arranged a romantic dinner for Shen Luo. He attempted to confess his feelings, but Shen Luo, remembering her childhood, became uncomfortable and excused herself to the restroom. She called Jiang Yisheng, admitting she couldn't accept Zhou Buwen's feelings and wanted him to tell Zhou Buwen that she would only treat him as a lifelong friend.

Zhou Buyan, still believing the surprise was for her, arrived at the bar. She was furious to find Shen Luo there. She then saw the champagne and flowers being brought out for her brother's reservation and, assuming they were for her, excitedly accepted them. Zhou Buwen tried to explain, but Zhou Buyan kept interrupting, belittling Shen Luo and saying she didn't match the romantic setting.

Shen Luo, feeling out of place, agreed with Zhou Buyan and decided to leave, despite Zhou Buwen's attempts to stop her. She told Zhou Buwen that they were not suited to be together. When Zhou Buwen argued that Wu Julan was a poor man who couldn't offer her anything, Shen Luo firmly stated that she didn't feel her life was full of suffering and didn't care about being laughed at for being poor.

She asserted that Zhou Buwen didn't understand her at all and she couldn't accept his feelings. Wu Julan then intervened, defending Shen Luo by saying that although she acted stingy and claimed to be poor, she wasn't a money-lover but rather favored emotions and pretended to be stingy to keep people away. Shen Luo and Wu Julan then left together.

As they walked, Shen Luo clarified that her rejection of Zhou Buwen was not because of Wu Julan, as she didn't believe in love and wouldn't accept either of them. She recounted her parents' constant fighting and bitter divorce, which led her to believe that love and marriage were fragile bubbles, and people should rely only on themselves. Wu Julan called her a coward for being afraid to experience new things because she feared getting hurt.

Later, Zhou Buwen confronted Jiang Yisheng again, asking about the champagne and flowers for Shen Luo. Jiang Yisheng confirmed he liked Shen Luo. Zhou Buwen, still angry about Shen Luo, argued with Jiang Yisheng. Zhou Buyan was later found by Zhu Yiyang, drinking heavily and upset because Zhou Buwen always sided with Shen Luo. She asked Zhu Yiyang if she was prettier than Shen Luo, and he enthusiastically agreed, prompting her to continue drinking.

Zhu Yiyang consoled her, allowing her to drink in his place. An Zuo met with Zhou Buwen, instructing him to get thirty years' worth of death records from the island hospital. Zhou Buwen, seeking a hint to narrow his search, was warned by An Zuo that "smart alecks don't tend to live long." Zhou Buwen then agreed to quickly gather the records. A new character arrived on the island, appearing lost.

An elderly woman helped him, welcoming him to the island and praising its pollution-free environment, delicious seafood, and hospitable locals. He expressed anticipation for his stay. Meanwhile, Wu Julan, Wu Jingjing, and Jiang Yisheng were worried about Shen Luo, who hadn't returned from grocery shopping. Jiang Yisheng tried to reassure them, but Wu Jingjing expressed a bad feeling. They discovered Shen Luo's abandoned vegetable basket, confirming their fears.

Wu Jingjing had a flashback of a phone call with An Zuo, where he revealed his father had died after a long illness that he kept secret. An Zuo blamed himself, while Wu Jingjing comforted him, saying he wasn't at fault. In another flashback, An Zuo explained to Wu Jingjing that he had joined the Black Wizards as a temporary measure to resurrect his father using the mermaid's spiritual pearl, which he planned to steal.

Wu Jingjing was shocked, reminding him that her family protected mermaids and his actions would make him her enemy. An Zuo pleaded for her help, professing his love. Wu Jingjing accused him of selfishness and asked her to betray her family. She then decided to break up with him. Wu Jingjing later encountered An Zuo. He remarked that she had finally come to find him willingly.

When she accused him of coming to fight, he said he couldn't bear to leave her. Wu Jingjing angrily told him to shut up, stating there was nothing between them anymore. An Zuo then asked if she wanted to know where Shen Luo was, revealing that Wu Julan and her valued Shen Luo because she was Du Xiaolin's descendant. He then stated that Shen Luo was not in his hands. Jiang Yisheng informed Zhou Buwen that Shen Luo was missing.

Zhou Buwen suggested she was probably with Wu Julan, but Jiang Yisheng urged him to put aside his feelings and help find her. Zhou Buwen then remembered he had business to attend to and left, telling them to inform him when Shen Luo was found, which Jiang Yisheng found disloyal. Shen Luo was tied up in a house, held hostage by Zhou Buyan and Zhu Yiyang, who were disguised with masks.

Zhu Yiyang was complaining about abducting her, reminding Zhou Buyan about the rising tide. Shen Luo quickly recognized her captors despite their masks, thanks to Zhu Yiyang's distinct gold chain. Zhou Buyan angrily told Shen Luo that they abducted her to teach her a lesson for seducing her brother. Shen Luo cried for help, insisting she had no interest in Zhou Buwen. Zhou Buyan refused to believe her, and she and Zhu Yiyang threatened Shen Luo with a “fish massage.”

Shen Luo again denied any interest in Zhou Buwen. Zhu Yiyang seemed to believe Shen Luo, suggesting they let her go, but Zhou Buyan silenced him, convinced Shen Luo was lying and just wanted to escape to continue seducing her brother. As the tide rose, Shen Luo pleaded for food, but Zhou Buyan refused. Zhu Yiyang suggested they go eat, abandoning Shen Luo in the house. Shen Luo cried out, begging them not to leave her alone.

Wu Julan frantically searched for Shen Luo, calling her name. He encountered two women who mistook him for someone they were looking for, as he resembled their friend from behind. He continued his search, hearing Shen Luo's distant cries for help from the rising water. Shen Luo, trapped, wondered why they were playing with her and called out Zhou Buyan and Zhu Yiyang’s names, asking if they truly wanted her to die there. Wu Julan continued calling her name, desperately trying to locate her.

Episode 13 Recap

Shen Luo found herself in a perilous situation, screaming for help as she struggled in the water. Zhou Buwen frantically searched for "Xiao Luo," calling her name. He later confronted "Da Tou" (Zhu Yiyang), who admitted that Zhou Buyan, Zhou Buwen's sister, had wanted to teach Shen Luo a lesson. Fearing for Shen Luo's life, Zhou Buwen rushed to find her. Meanwhile, Wu Julan also searched for Shen Luo, who was on the verge of drowning.

She urged him to leave, not wanting to be a burden, but Wu Julan told her to take deep breaths, reassuring her that if she wanted to see her grandfather's old house and her pet sheep, she must live. He then rescued her from the sea. After the ordeal, Shen Luo recovered, but Wu Julan's condition worsened due to his efforts to save her.

Jiang Yisheng suggested that Wu Julan had sacrificed himself for her and that Shen Luo should agree to any request. Shen Luo was distraught, crying and hitting Jiang Yisheng, accusing him of tricking her. She noticed Wu Julan's back was cold and hard, a detail Jiang Yisheng dismissed, assuring her that Wu Julan was fine.

Jiang Yisheng light-heartedly teased Shen Luo about her lack of hesitation in attending to Wu Julan, attributing it to their shared life-or-death experience and Wu Julan's true love for her, urging her to take responsibility. Shen Luo, realizing she had forgotten something on the stove, excused herself. Soon after, "Da Tou" (Zhu Yiyang) arrived and apologized to Shen Luo for causing her fright.

Shen Luo reassured him that she understood Zhou Buyan's actions were not meant to truly harm her and that she never intended to pursue the matter further. Shen Luo advised "Da Tou" to communicate with Zhou Buyan, suggesting that Zhou Buyan's actions stemmed from her deep affection for him. She also hinted that the person who truly deserved his care had always been by his side.

Jiang Yisheng later advised Wu Julan on how to pursue Shen Luo, praising his "hero saving the maiden" act and observing Shen Luo's concern for him. He explained that women often express the opposite of what they truly desire, meaning "no" often implies "yes." Meanwhile, Zhou Buwen disciplined his sister, Zhou Buyan, for her reckless actions against Shen Luo, stating her actions were illegal. "

Da Tou" (Zhu Yiyang) took the blame for Zhou Buyan's actions, leading to Zhou Buwen hitting him instead. Zhou Buyan intervened, stopping her brother. Later, Zhou Buyan expressed her unwavering feelings for Zhou Buwen, acknowledging his care for Shen Luo but asserting her confidence that she was better than Shen Luo and that he would eventually reciprocate her feelings. Jiang Yisheng confronted An Zuo, accusing him of making moves on Wu Jingjing.

He declared himself Wu Jingjing's boyfriend and warned An Zuo to stop bothering her, claiming Wu Jingjing now preferred "smart and good personality" guys like him. An Zuo, however, remained unfazed, stating he liked challenges and found them more interesting the harder they were. An Zuo then provocatively asked what Jiang Yisheng would do for him to give up on Wu Jingjing. Later, Wu Jingjing found a very drunk An Zuo.

She took him back, disregarding the mocking comments from others who implied An Zuo was "trash." Wu Jingjing retorted that in her heart, they were even worse than trash. Shen Luo continued to harbor suspicions about Wu Julan's true nature, recalling how Zhou Buwen had insinuated he was not human. She found scales Wu Julan had left behind, but people at the market didn't recognize them. Jiang Yisheng laughed at her, dismissing her concerns as delusion.

To further investigate, Shen Luo questioned Wu Jingjing about Wu Julan's childhood, but Wu Jingjing, prepared for such an inquiry, presented childhood photos of them together, which temporarily dispelled Shen Luo's suspicions. Following Jiang Yisheng's advice, Shen Luo researched various romantic lines. Under a bright moon, she took Wu Julan to the seaside and confessed her feelings, declaring her desire to be his girlfriend regardless of his response.

Wu Julan, knowing he loved Shen Luo but also that their differences made a relationship impossible and that she only lived because of his spiritual pearl, revealed his true identity. He explained that she only liked him because she didn't know who he really was. He then leaped into the sea and transformed into his merman form, terrifying Shen Luo. When she saw his face covered in scales, she realized the 'monster' was Wu Julan.

He then swam away, hoping she would give up on him so he could leave peacefully. Wu Jingjing later blamed Wu Julan for revealing the truth, understanding that he valued Shen Luo's feelings more than his own life. The shock of Wu Julan's transformation left Shen Luo terrified and confused. As she walked home, she cried out his name, feeling her love story had turned into a horror film.

She struggled to reconcile her feelings, seeing images of fish everywhere, even thinking market salted fish were staring at her. She later confronted Jiang Yisheng, telling him Wu Julan said he was a fish. Jiang Yisheng dismissed this as Wu Julan's excuse to reject her and believed Shen Luo was delusional, suggesting she needed a full body checkup. Jiang Yisheng later called Wu Jingjing, exuberantly telling her that Shen Luo was "budding" and falling for Wu Julan.

He complained that Wu Julan was "insensitive" despite Shen Luo pursuing him, but their conversation was cut short by a hospital crisis involving stolen patient data. Shen Luo eventually learned the truth about Wu Julan being a merman from Zhou Buwen and, regardless of his identity, still wished to be his friend. She warned Zhou Buwen not to reveal Wu Julan's secret to anyone else.

Jiang Yisheng attempted to confront Wu Julan about Shen Luo's emotional distress, but Wu Julan spotted An Zuo and immediately pursued him. An Zuo, sensing he was being followed, soon found Wu Julan before him. They engaged in a fierce battle, both sustaining injuries. An Zuo, realizing he was outmatched, summoned black bats to trap Wu Julan, allowing Wu Jingjing to intervene and rescue him. Wu Jingjing then took the injured An Zuo away from the island.

As she watched him depart, she shed tears, knowing that their paths diverged the moment he chose to join the Black Witches. Back at home, Shen Luo was talking to a salted fish when Wu Julan unexpectedly returned, severely wounded. Distraught, Shen Luo frantically pedaled a tricycle, rushing him to the hospital for treatment. Upon arrival, she saw Wu Jingjing, who was also there to treat Wu Julan.

Wu Jingjing informed Shen Luo that she was a witch, protector of the merfolk. As she began to reveal that the spiritual pearl within Shen Luo could save Wu Julan, he intervened and stopped her. After Wu Jingjing left, Shen Luo found Wu Julan's body cold. She used her own body to warm him, vowing to stay with him forever, regardless of his true nature. Wu Julan, though drifting in and out of consciousness, heard her words.

The next day, Shen Luo noticed scales reappearing on Wu Julan's body, fearing it was a final sign before death. She urgently sought Wu Jingjing, but by the time Wu Jingjing arrived, Wu Julan had returned to normal. When Shen Luo found his bed empty, she panicked, believing he had died, and burst into tears. After Wu Jingjing's rejection, Jiang Yisheng was deeply disheartened, appearing distraught and absent-minded. He nearly walked into the path of a car, a sight that moved Wu Jingjing, who watched from a distance, with a pang of pity.

Episode 14 Recap

Jiang Yisheng was engrossed in photos of Wu Jingjing on his phone, looking distraught. His colleagues offered comfort, and Wu Jingjing, observing his sadness, felt a pang of regret. Later, Jiang Yisheng found Wu Jingjing and presented her with Cantonese dim sum, which she preferred to eat outside for a "cozy and romantic" setting. He confessed that before meeting her, his pursuits were merely games, but she was different.

He explained that she saw beyond his looks, caring about his heart, and even helped him with a "mental illness" he had for years, clearing up the problem with just a few words. Jiang Yisheng declared his desire to personally give her happiness. He then asked Wu Jingjing to be his girlfriend. Moved by his sincerity, Wu Jingjing agreed to be his girlfriend.

Despite his surprise, she initiated a kiss, which he jokingly questioned about their pace from holding hands to kissing. Ever since Wu Julan fell ill, Shen Luo took complete charge of all household chores, insisting he rest and do nothing. After persistent efforts from Zhu Yiyang, Zhou Buyan finally agreed to visit the old city wall. Her decision was partly influenced by Zhou Buwen having canceled on her, but she still wanted to go.

Zhu Yiyang waited for a long time, only for Zhou Buyan to arrive and immediately criticize his idleness. Finding him uninteresting, she quickly departed. Wu Jingjing had anticipated that Shen Luo would be frightened away by Wu Julan's merman identity, but to her surprise, Shen Luo's affection for him only intensified.

Wu Julan then brought up the stark reality of their differing lifespans—his extended vitality compared to her inevitable aging—and to prepare her for the emotional burden of their inevitable separation caused by her aging and death while he remained unchanged. Later, Shen Luo, upon learning Wu Julan was over a thousand years old, teasingly remarked about his age. Shen Luo spent days pondering how to confess her feelings to Wu Julan.

One day, she took him to the market where they enjoyed grilled skewers. Wu Julan presented her with a rose, and she bought two masks. Filled with joy, they walked to the seaside pier. There, Shen Luo poured out her heart to Wu Julan, confessing her profound love for him, and then kissed him through their masks, explaining that he had restored her faith in love. Wu Julan's only reply was a quiet, "I know."

He then unveiled three paintings: the first depicted them as they were now, young and vibrant; the second showed them a decade later, with him still youthful but Shen Luo visibly aged; and the third, decades into the future, portrayed him unchanged while Shen Luo was an elderly woman. Wu Julan's intention was for Shen Luo to grasp the vast difference in their lifespans and to prepare her for the emotional burden of her own aging.

However, Shen Luo tragically misinterpreted his message, believing he was implying that he would find her undesirable once she grew old. Distraught by the prospect of aging, Shen Luo began meticulously examining herself in the mirror every day. She even dragged Jiang Yisheng out for early morning runs, earnestly proclaiming her new goal to defy aging and preserve her youth. An Zuo connected with Zhou Buwen via phone.

An Zuo thanked Zhou Buwen for distracting Wu Julan at the factory, which had saved his life during their confrontation. He recognized Zhou Buwen's strategic move to simultaneously help him and create an adversary for Wu Julan. An Zuo then proposed a partnership, stating his objective was to obtain the merpeople's spiritual pearl, while Zhou Buwen's was Shen Luo.

He also asked Zhou Buwen to locate Dr. Zhang Aiguo, the physician who had treated Shen Luo after her drowning incident, hoping to gather information about her and the spiritual pearl. Zhou Buwen eagerly agreed to the alliance, though An Zuo cautioned him against conceit. Wu Julan, concerned about An Zuo, discussed him with Wu Jingjing. She reported that An Zuo had escaped the witch family's tracking.

Wu Julan expressed his frustration that An Zuo was still at large and pressed Wu Jingjing to locate him swiftly. He remained convinced that An Zuo still harbored a strong obsession with the spiritual pearl. He stressed the critical importance of keeping Shen Luo's past drowning incident a secret from An Zuo, given An Zuo's meticulous nature.

Meanwhile, Wu Jingjing was also reminded by her elder that Wu Julan had given up on both the spiritual pearl and Shen Luo, fearing his love would endanger her. She was instructed to ensure Shen Luo continued to pursue Wu Julan, as true love's kiss was necessary for Wu Julan to live on, regardless of the cost. Shen Luo continued to use face masks daily, still consumed by fears of aging.

She sought out Jiang Yisheng, initially noticing his bruised face, which she playfully attributed to a "love quarrel" with Wu Jingjing, suggesting he might have taken advantage of her. Jiang Yisheng adamantly denied this, affirming his genuine love for Wu Jingjing. Shen Luo then recounted how she had witnessed Wu Julan fighting a mysterious black-clothed figure for her, but Wu Julan insisted it was merely a dream. Jiang Yisheng, acting as a "famous psychologist," dismissed her account as hallucinations.

Jiang Yisheng comforted her, saying that as long as two people love each other, nothing can stop them. Later, Shen Luo returned, admitting she felt "sick" because she was constantly imagining romantic scenarios with Wu Julan. Jiang Yisheng, however, joyfully declared that she wasn't sick at all; she was simply in love, offering his congratulations. Now officially a couple, Jiang Yisheng made it a routine to pick up and drop off Wu Jingjing from work.

One day, Wu Jingjing insisted on riding the bicycle herself while Jiang Yisheng sat on the back. She then proceeded to speed through the streets recklessly, causing Jiang Yisheng to cling to her tightly and scream in terror. By the time they arrived at the hospital, he was so dizzy he became sick. Zhu Yiyang, attempting to impress Zhou Buyan, presented her with homemade macarons.

However, she once again rebuffed him with mockery and firmly stated she had no romantic interest in him. Observing a dejected Zhu Yiyang, Zhou Buwen offered counsel, suggesting that he should prioritize building a successful career before seeking love. He then offered Zhu Yiyang an opportunity to work for him, with his first task being to investigate the whereabouts of Dr. Zhang Aiguo. Zhu Yiyang went to the hospital, pretending to be Dr. Zhang Aiguo's nephew, hoping to find him.

He was informed that Dr. Zhang had retired long ago and his current location was unknown. Shortly after Zhu Yiyang departed, Wu Jingjing arrived at the same hospital, also seeking Dr. Zhang Aiguo's contact details. The staff mentioned that his "nephew" had just been there with the same inquiry. Sensing a peculiarity, Wu Jingjing immediately pursued the "nephew." At that moment, Jiang Yisheng unexpectedly ran out, and Wu Jingjing, mistaking him for a villain, swiftly apprehended and knocked him down. Meanwhile, Zhou Buwen quickly pulled Zhu Yiyang to safety, helping him evade Wu Jingjing's pursuit.

Episode 15 Recap

Jiang Yisheng prepares various soups for Wu Jingjing. Although Wu Jingjing has no appetite, she drinks them with him, moved by his expectant look and not wanting to waste his effort. Jiang Yisheng is delighted, happily dancing. Later, Shen Luo, grappling with her feelings, confides in Jiang Yisheng, admitting that merely seeing Wu Julan evokes "uncontrollable thoughts." Jiang Yisheng, in his quirky medical style, explains that her brain is producing "phenylethylamine" and "dopamine," which he diagnoses as "love."

Shen Luo vehemently denies being in love with Wu Julan, dismissing Jiang Yisheng as a "quack." Jiang Yisheng maintains that those with a "phobia of love" often deny their true feelings, and notes her involuntary desire to be close to Wu Julan. Later, a frustrated Shen Luo laments to Jiang Yisheng that her "heart is so tired." She insists she is "sick," unable to believe she could fall in love with Wu Julan after never believing in love.

Jiang Yisheng, however, declares that love "is" an illness that makes one "wallow in it." He then tells her that Wu Julan is her "medicine" and urges her to "pursue him" to "protect her life." Feeling a sudden lightness, Shen Luo decides to "treat her illness" by pursuing Wu Julan, asking Jiang Yisheng not to misinterpret her actions as genuine love. Jiang Yisheng playfully agrees, emphasizing the seriousness of her "illness."

Upon Wu Julan's return home, Shen Luo eagerly shares her interpretation of the three paintings, seeing them as a testament to Wu Julan's unwavering presence by her side, where time becomes a witness to their love, not an enemy. Moved by her devoted reasoning, Wu Julan spontaneously kisses her cheek. Back in her room, Shen Luo joyfully talks to herself, excited about having a boyfriend and unable to sleep.

She often tries to secretly kiss Wu Julan, but he, worried the spiritual pearl might automatically enter his body, finds ways and excuses to avoid physical intimacy. To help them both calm down, Wu Julan takes Shen Luo to the rooftop and tells her about his past. Shen Luo casually asks about the jade pendant he wears, learning that its previous owner was Bai Yihan, a woman he once loved deeply who sacrificed everything for him.

He laments that he never had the chance to repay her. Now, with Shen Luo by his side, he feels truly happy. He also fears that the spiritual pearl might automatically enter him, which is why he avoids physical intimacy with her. Later, while Shen Luo and Wu Julan are selling wind chimes at their stall, Wu Julan accidentally drops his jade pendant when getting change.

A young woman picks it up and returns it to him, surprisingly calling him by name. Wu Julan is stunned as he recognizes her face, identical to Bai Yihan, and the entire scene mirrors his first encounter with his past love. Shen Luo approaches and learns the woman is Mi Xue'er, a reporter from New York Museum Magazine. Mi Xue'er explains she came to the island to interview Wu Julan after hearing about his traditional fish cuisine.

Wu Julan immediately rejects the interview and, using the excuse of wanting to go home early, hastily packs up their stall. Back at home, Shen Luo finds Wu Julan washing clothes and again tries to kiss him, but he only kisses her forehead. Just then, the town mayor arrives with Mi Xue'er, explaining that all island accommodations are full due to the peak tourist season and asks if Mi Xue'er can stay with Shen Luo for a few days.

Shen Luo is about to refuse when Mi Xue'er suddenly faints. Shen Luo agrees to let her stay. As Mi Xue'er lies unconscious, she repeatedly calls out Wu Julan's name and grips his hand firmly, a scene that triggers powerful, identical memories for Wu Julan. He immediately realizes that Mi Xue'er is not who she seems. Wu Jingjing, after searching extensively for Zhang Aiguo, is surprised to learn that Jiang Yisheng knows his location.

It turns out Zhang Aiguo developed elderly dementia two years prior and no longer recognizes anyone. Zhou Buwen also tracked Zhang Aiguo down through bank records and reported to An Zuo that it would be impossible to obtain any information about the spiritual pearl from him. Since Wu Julan refused Mi Xue'er's interview, Shen Luo, in an effort to be hospitable, suggests Mi Xue'er explore other topics and introduces her to her friends over dinner.

During the meal, Mi Xue'er's beauty is widely praised. Wu Julan, however, confides in Wu Jingjing that Mi Xue'er feels eerily familiar and seems to know a lot about him. He recounts seeing Mi Xue'er with a fruit knife near a sleeping Shen Luo, which makes him suspect she intends to harm Shen Luo. Wu Jingjing decides to find an opportunity to test Mi Xue'er.

When Zhou Buyan asks Mi Xue'er about her romantic interest, Mi Xue'er confesses that she is deeply in love with someone who is completely unaware of her existence. She states her intention to "tie him firmly to her side." Hearing this, Wu Julan is visibly startled, remembering a time he spoke similar words, and accidentally burns his hand. Shen Luo rushes to his side with concern.

Jiang Yisheng makes a lighthearted remark, but Shen Luo loudly proclaims that she and Wu Julan are now in a relationship, causing Zhou Buwen to angrily leave. Wu Jingjing attempts to hypnotize Mi Xue'er to uncover her true intentions for coming to the island and seeking Wu Julan. However, a phone call from Jiang Yisheng interrupts the process, forcing Wu Jingjing to abandon her attempt.

Later, upon seeing Shen Luo approach, Mi Xue'er deliberately fakes a fall and embraces Wu Julan. Wu Julan immediately assures Shen Luo that his heart belongs only to her, which assuages Shen Luo's concerns. Zhu Yiyang waits for Zhou Buyan at the cinema as planned, but she fails to appear. It turns out Zhou Buyan is preoccupied consoling her brother, Zhou Buwen, who is drinking to drown his sorrows. Zhu Yiyang eventually gives his tickets to another couple.

Separately, An Zuo discovers the location of the Black Demon Blade in the Far East Exhibition Hall. He resolves to retrieve the blade, believing it will help him acquire the spiritual pearl and save his father. Shen Luo and Jiang Yisheng eventually go to the market together.

Jiang Yisheng plans to cook a meal for Wu Jingjing, and during their outing, he warns Shen Luo to be wary of Mi Xue'er, having noticed her persistent attempts to get close to Wu Julan. In a phone conversation, An Zuo probes Wu Jingjing about Jiang Yisheng, calling him a "love rival" but dismissing him as a "stupid boy" who cannot compete.

Wu Jingjing counters that while she does not like Jiang Yisheng, he at least poses no threat to her. An Zuo, believing Wu Jingjing has fully recovered, suggests she leave the island that night. Wu Jingjing refuses, asking if he still intends to fight for the spiritual pearl. An Zuo admits he "can't bear to leave" her and wishes to stay a few more days.

He dismisses any thought of giving up the spiritual pearl, stating that his long-standing grudge with the Black Wizard can only be resolved by his own hand. Wu Jingjing confirms she understands and pledges to help him quickly locate the Black Wizard.

Episode 16 Recap

Jiang Yisheng warned Shen Luo to be careful of Mi Xue'er, but Shen Luo was confident in her feelings for Wu Julan and dismissed his concerns. Later, Shen Luo received a phone call from Mi Xue'er, who claimed to be lost and asked Shen Luo to come find her. Simultaneously, Mi Xue'er sent a message to Wu Julan containing an old photo of him and Bai Yihan.

Surprised, Wu Julan rushed to the beach to find Mi Xue'er and get answers. Mi Xue'er explained that Bai Yihan was her ancestor, and her family often remarked on her resemblance to Bai Yihan. She had stumbled upon Bai Yihan's diary, where she found the photo.

Deeply moved by the love story between Wu Julan and Bai Yihan, who met, fell in love, hurt each other, and sacrificed for one another, Mi Xue'er began to believe she was the story's heroine and fell in love with Wu Julan herself. After revealing this, Mi Xue'er passionately embraced Wu Julan and confessed her feelings, saying, "It's real!" Shen Luo arrived just in time to witness the embrace.

Furious, she cursed Wu Julan, calling him a playboy and regretting ever meeting him. She initially thought of leaving but then decided that Mi Xue'er, not she, should be the one to go. Shen Luo angrily pulled them apart, telling Wu Julan, "Wu Julan, cut it out! It's getting late, let's go home!"

Mi Xue'er quickly explained that she was a descendant of Wu Julan's former lover and had come to the island to visit him, but Shen Luo remained suspicious. During dinner, Shen Luo deliberately served Wu Julan. Mi Xue'er seized the opportunity to bring up Bai Yihan and demonstrated her knowledge of Wu Julan's preference for sweet and sour dishes, attempting to draw closer to him. She then intentionally cut her hand to elicit his concern.

Shen Luo could no longer suppress her anger and demanded Mi Xue'er leave. Mi Xue'er then confessed that she had loved Wu Julan since childhood and did not mind being a substitute for Bai Yihan, which completely shattered Shen Luo's confidence. Distraught, Shen Luo sought out Jiang Yisheng, expressing her fear that Mi Xue'er would steal Wu Julan.

Shen Luo vented her frustration, saying she had spent an entire afternoon doing homework and thinking of romantic words, only for such a thing to happen. She lamented that her romance story had turned into a horror movie, and complained that Wu Julan hadn't even taken her home. She cried out, "Wu Julan! Were you sent by the heavens to punish me?

I don't believe in love, but the heavens punished me by making me fall in love with such a handsome fish! God, this is too big of a joke! You can't bully me like this!" She declared, "I must get revenge! I want to cook you like Sichuan poached sliced fish! Cut off the fish head, and grill you in hot chili oil! No matter which way of punishment I'd casually choose, I must punish you!"

Jiang Yisheng then helped Shen Luo devise a detailed plan to win Wu Julan's heart. Meanwhile, Wu Julan discussed Mi Xue'er with Wu Jingjing, revealing Mi Xue'er was a descendant of Bai Yihan, and asked Wu Jingjing to investigate her true motives. During this conversation, Wu Jingjing expressed concern about Wu Julan’s earlier decision to reveal his true identity to Shen Luo.

Wu Julan confessed his intention was to make Shen Luo leave him, explaining, "I have less than one month to live. Instead of letting her despair in the future, why not make her give up now? I have no right to love her now. To her, my love puts her life in danger." Soon after, Wu Julan received a phone call from Shen Luo, who, uncharacteristically soft-spoken, invited him to dinner at a bar.

Jiang Yisheng helped Shen Luo choose a blue dress for the date and provided her with a miniature earpiece for real-time coaching. When Shen Luo and Wu Julan arrived at the island bar, they were surprised to find Mi Xue'er already there. It turned out Wu Jingjing had arranged for Mi Xue'er to meet Wu Julan at the same bar, using his name, turning Shen Luo's carefully planned romantic dinner for two into an awkward meal for three.

Shen Luo attempted to act like a charming, seductive woman according to Jiang Yisheng's instructions, but her naturally boisterous personality led to a series of embarrassing moments. Wu Julan, already aware of her and Jiang Yisheng's little tricks, discreetly removed her earpiece. Shen Luo then tried to express her deep feelings for Wu Julan using ancient poetry, only to be mocked by the well-read Mi Xue'er for her lack of knowledge.

Wu Julan watched Shen Luo's performance with a constant smile, completely captivated by her cuteness and innocence. Embarrassed, Shen Luo stormed off. Wu Julan followed closely, noticing her limping in the high heels she was unaccustomed to wearing. Feeling sympathetic, he stopped to massage her feet. Wu Julan understood that Shen Luo's awkward performance was a manifestation of her fear of losing him. Shen Luo then declared that she would never give Wu Julan to anyone, "unless after she dies."

An Zuo, having discovered that the Black Demon Blade was located in a museum, disguised himself and entered the building. He spotted the blade in a display cabinet and took the opportunity to steal it. During his escape, he was pursued by unseen forces who cried, "An Zuo! You can't escape!" After successfully acquiring the Black Demon Blade, An Zuo instructed Zhou Buwen to find two more people for him on the island.

Back at home, Mi Xue'er continued to taunt Shen Luo about her embarrassing display at the bar, attempting to persuade her to abandon her feelings for Wu Julan. She insinuated that Wu Julan did not care for Shen Luo, claiming he wouldn't even touch her. Feeling deeply provoked, Shen Luo decided to make a bold move to seduce Wu Julan. That night, Shen Luo went to Wu Julan's room, intending to stay overnight.

Wu Julan, suppressing his own desires to protect her, gently made her leave the room. The next morning, Mi Xue'er began to mock Shen Luo, making fun of her failed attempt to stay with Wu Julan. When she saw Wu Julan approaching, Mi Xue'er deliberately instigated a struggle with Shen Luo and then dramatically tumbled down the stairs. Wu Julan took Mi Xue'er to the hospital.

There, Wu Jingjing presented Wu Julan with Mi Xue'er's collected information, which revealed that Mi Xue'er had undergone plastic surgery and did not naturally resemble Bai Yihan. Wu Jingjing suspected Mi Xue'er had intentionally altered her appearance to look like Bai Yihan, harboring ulterior motives, which greatly alarmed Wu Julan. Mi Xue'er began spreading rumors throughout the island that Shen Luo had intentionally pushed her down the stairs, causing the islanders to view Shen Luo differently.

After hearing these rumors from Jiang Yisheng, Shen Luo immediately returned home to confront Mi Xue'er. Wu Julan and Wu Jingjing also arrived, and Wu Julan publicly exposed Mi Xue'er's plastic surgery. Mi Xue'er explained that she had suffered severe burns in a childhood fire, necessitating plastic surgery. She admitted to deliberately choosing Bai Yihan's appearance because she envied Bai Yihan's ability to love Wu Julan.

She also claimed that her act of framing Shen Luo for pushing her was entirely because of Wu Julan, citing his initial broken promise to Bai Yihan. As she spoke, she embraced Wu Julan. Shen Luo tried to pull her away, but Mi Xue'er suddenly fainted.

Episode 17 Recap

Shen Luo pulled Mi Xue'er away from Wu Julan, but Mi Xue'er unexpectedly collapsed. Despite his lingering doubts about Mi Xue'er's words, Wu Julan stayed by her side, feeling a deep obligation to Bai Yihan. He believed if Mi Xue'er was truly Bai Yihan's descendant, he was bound to care for her unconditionally.

When Mi Xue'er regained consciousness, she immediately sought Wu Julan, claiming she had late-stage brain cancer and only wished to see him before she died to have no regrets. Shen Luo, who had come to bring her porridge, overheard this and quietly left. Mi Xue'er then told Wu Julan that while doctors had given her a death sentence, she knew he could save her.

She reminded him that 150 years ago, Bai Yihan had saved his life, and he had promised his life to her in return. Therefore, Mi Xue'er insisted Wu Julan should now use the spiritual pearl to save her. Wu Jingjing strongly disagreed with Wu Julan's intention to save Mi Xue'er, leaving him in a difficult position, torn between the woman he loved and an old debt.

Later, while walking by the sea, Mi Xue'er reiterated her demand for the spiritual pearl, then fainted once more. As Wu Julan helped her back, they encountered Jiang Yisheng, who fabricated an urgent message from Shen Luo to send Wu Julan away. Wu Julan rushed home only to discover Jiang Yisheng's deception. Shen Luo then told him that after hearing about Mi Xue'er's terminal illness, she had decided to step aside and fulfill Mi Xue'er's dying wish.

Fighting back tears, Shen Luo ran off. Jiang Yisheng's true intention in stopping Mi Xue'er was to get her to the hospital for a check-up, but she repeatedly refused. His suspicions grew, and from that day on, he often waited outside Shen Luo's house for Mi Xue'er, hoping to convince her to get a full physical. His persistence backfired, however, leading to a beating from Mi Xue'er, from which Wu Jingjing rescued him.

Meanwhile, Shen Luo, distraught, went to an island bar to drink. Zhou Buwen followed her, noticed her unhappiness, and tried to cheer her up by buying her cotton candy, just as he did when they were children. Shen Luo, however, only wanted to drown her sorrows. Zhou Buwen couldn't understand why she loved Wu Julan, acknowledging Wu Julan's cold demeanor, but Shen Luo admitted she loved him without reason.

Despite Zhou Buwen's repeated declarations of love, Shen Luo's heart was entirely taken by Wu Julan. Zhou Buwen took a very drunk Shen Luo back home, where he began yelling at Wu Julan. Hearing this, a drunken Shen Luo sat up and started kicking and punching Zhou Buwen. Wu Julan took the opportunity to carry Shen Luo to her room. Zhou Buwen then received a call from Zhu Yiyang and promptly left.

Zhu Yiyang shared his investigation findings with Zhou Buwen, revealing that the people An Zuo was looking for, Wang Liming and Zhu Haixia, had left the island over a decade ago. Zhu Yiyang also casually mentioned Shen Luo and Wu Julan's relationship, subtly encouraging Zhou Buwen to pursue Shen Luo. Already harboring a grudge against Wu Julan, Zhou Buwen's determination to harm him intensified.

Aware that mandrake was an incurable and swiftly fatal poison for merfolk, he decided to use mandrake-tipped arrows to kill Wu Julan. Wu Julan booked a flight for Mi Xue'er to return to New York the following afternoon, explaining that Wu Jingjing had found top doctors for her in the US. He also clarified to Mi Xue'er that he had never harbored romantic feelings for her, only caring for her out of respect for Bai Yihan.

Mi Xue'er offered to cook a farewell dinner, but secretly poisoned Shen Luo and Wu Julan's drinks with a substance designed to disorient them. Shortly after dinner, Shen Luo felt sleepy and went to her room. Wu Julan, suffering from the poison's effects, struggled against it but gradually lost control. His eyes blood red, he rushed into Shen Luo's room and approached her.

Wu Jingjing, having had Mi Xue'er's background investigated in the US, arrived at Shen Luo's house to reveal the truth to Wu Julan. Upon entering, she saw a triumphant Mi Xue'er, immediately suspecting a trick to make Wu Julan take the spiritual pearl from Shen Luo. Wu Jingjing quickly went to Shen Luo's room and found Shen Luo sleeping soundly. Wu Julan, to prevent himself from succumbing to the poison's disorientation and harming Shen Luo, had stabbed himself.

Stumbling and wounded, Wu Julan left Shen Luo's house, where Zhou Buwen discovered him. Zhou Buwen tracked Wu Julan and then attacked him with the poisoned arrow he had prepared, causing Wu Julan to fall. Zhou Buyan witnessed the entire horrifying scene, heartbroken that her trusted brother was capable of such evil. Wu Julan, having nearly sacrificed his life for Shen Luo, was found in time and recovered after taking an antidote.

His first thought upon waking was to ask about Shen Luo. Wu Jingjing then shared her investigation results, revealing that Mi Xue'er was part of a plan by Wu Jingjing's grandmother, Olivia, to retrieve the spiritual pearl for Wu Julan's longevity. Mi Xue'er herself was merely an infatuated fan of Wu Julan. A few days later, back at home, Shen Luo playfully asked Wu Julan to taste her cooking.

She teased him about his age, asking if his previous girlfriends were octopuses or bighead carp, then compared her appearance to theirs. She reminded him she hadn't yet blamed him for "what happened last night," adding that she luckily had a healthy heart and survived.

She added, "Don't think I'll forgive you just because you're sick," referring to Mi Xue'er's prior claims of illness, and asked how he would repay her, to which he offered to take her out that night. Meanwhile, Wu Jingjing received an update on An Zuo, confirming he had returned to New York but quickly evaded surveillance.

Wu Jingjing expressed her continued worry, noting An Zuo's meticulous nature and long-standing obsession with the spiritual pearl, fearing he might uncover the truth about Shen Luo's past drowning. She emphasized the importance of protecting Shen Luo and keeping her decade-old drowning incident a secret, ordering her team to locate Dr. Zhang Aiguo, the only remaining person who knew about it. Wu Julan also shared with Wu Jingjing his respect for Shen Luo's decisions regarding their future.

Jiang Yisheng attempted to play the role of a doting boyfriend, offering to take Wu Jingjing to work on his motorbike daily. Wu Jingjing, however, took the driver's seat, speeding off and leaving Jiang Yisheng comically motion-sick, though he remained committed to their new "daily habit." Elsewhere, Zhu Yiyang presented Zhou Buyan with a box of homemade macarons, attempting to win her over.

Zhou Buyan rejected his efforts, bluntly stating she didn't like him and preferred professionally dedicated men like her brother, calling Zhu Yiyang "neither fish nor fowl." Later, An Zuo met with Zhu Yiyang, advising him that a man without a career was worthless and inviting him to work for him if he wanted to succeed.

Jiang Yisheng found Shen Luo troubled by a hypothetical scenario: a twenty-year-old friend falling in love with someone vastly different, questioning if they should pursue the relationship. Jiang Yisheng initially misunderstood, thinking Shen Luo was concerned about Wu Julan's poverty. Shen Luo clarified that it was the woman who felt she wasn't good enough for the man.

Jiang Yisheng advised her to trust her heart, reflecting on his own past as a playboy and how those experiences led him to his true love. He encouraged Shen Luo to be more confident, despite her self-perceived flaws. An Zuo, disguised as Dr. Zhang Aiguo's nephew, attempted to obtain Zhang Aiguo's contact information from the hospital, but was unsuccessful as the staff had lost touch with the retired doctor.

Shortly after, Wu Jingjing arrived at the hospital, also seeking Zhang Aiguo. She learned from the staff that "his nephew" had just inquired, realizing An Zuo was also on the same trail. She instructed her team to continue searching for Zhang Aiguo, as finding him might confirm the whereabouts of the spiritual pearl. Back at home, Shen Luo, still pondering Wu Julan's concern about her aging, practiced anti-wrinkle exercises.

She then spoke to Wu Julan, acknowledging his three pictures illustrating her aging while he remained youthful, interpreting them as his fear that time was their greatest enemy. However, she saw them differently: Wu Julan by her side through youth, middle age, and old age, covered in grey hairs, signifying "no leaving, no deserting." She asserted that time was not their enemy but their greatest witness, confident that he cared for her despite his denials.

Wu Julan again asked if she could truly accept growing old while he remained unchanged. Shen Luo declared she would be overjoyed to have a handsome man loving her even with wrinkles and would never regret it, eager to show him off for others to envy. Wu Julan, after confirming her unwavering feelings, simply said, "Good." Back in their home, Shen Luo asked Wu Julan to clarify his earlier words, complaining that he always spoke halfway.

He responded by kissing her. Shen Luo, realizing his meaning, was ecstatic that she, after twenty-five years, finally had a boyfriend. She playfully declared her intention to train him into an attentive and agreeable boyfriend, then worried he might have overheard her boastful plans. Later that night, Shen Luo asked Wu Julan if they should do something meaningful. He suggested she close her eyes, then tried to kiss her.

Shen Luo teasingly asked if he was trying to "indecently assault" her and offered to do the same to him. Wu Julan, recalling Wu Jingjing's explanation of the "true love's kiss" method to retrieve the spiritual pearl, knew that if Shen Luo truly loved him, the pearl would return to his body during a kiss. Shen Luo, impatient with his gradual approach, urged him to "get to the important point directly" and suggested moving to a more "suitable place."

Wu Julan, misunderstanding her intentions, clarified he only meant to "chat." Shen Luo then asked about his past, specifically if he had any girlfriends. He confirmed he had, but she quickly retracted the question, deciding she didn't want to know since they were long gone. She then asked about the jade pendant he wore. Wu Julan revealed it belonged to Bai Yihan, the woman he deeply loved, who had sacrificed everything for him.

He confessed that his inability to save her life was his greatest regret. Shen Luo comforted him, telling him not to be sad and reminding him that he now had her.

Episode 18 Recap

Wu Julan was enraged upon discovering that his grandmother, Olivette, had orchestrated Mi Xue'er's presence with the intention of acquiring the spiritual pearl from Shen Luo. He unleashed a furious roar that shattered all the glass in the room. Olivette immediately knelt, offering to accept punishment, but Wu Julan adamantly refused to take Shen Luo's spiritual pearl, declaring that doing so would make his life worse than death.

He sternly warned them against harming Shen Luo in the future, threatening severe double punishment if they disobeyed. Afterward, Mi Xue'er and Wu Jingjing escorted Wu Julan home. Seeing Shen Luo calmly preparing breakfast as usual reassured Wu Julan. He asked Shen Luo to sit beside him, an action that left her confused, unaware of the tumultuous events that had just transpired.

Mi Xue'er later apologized to Shen Luo, confessing that she had feigned illness due to her admiration for Wu Julan. She expressed gratitude to Shen Luo, stating that their love had made her believe in the existence of an all-surpassing love. Meanwhile, Wu Jingjing confronted Olivette, faulting her for not disclosing her plans beforehand. Olivette mused that love is the most potent form of witchcraft, capable of captivating and disorienting individuals, causing them to lose themselves.

Olivette then received news that the Black Magic Knife had been stolen. Wu Jingjing immediately suspected An Zuo. Olivette believed An Zuo still had operatives on the island, a suspicion Wu Jingjing had held since Wu Julan's attack at the birthday party. Wu Jingjing's inquiries led her to learn that a neighbor had seen Zhou Buwen on the back mountain the previous evening, coincidentally where Wu Julan had been ambushed.

When confronted, Zhou Buwen attempted to defend himself, but Zhou Buyan arrived and provided an alibi, claiming they had been on a date. She then led Zhou Buwen away, secretly telling him she would only help him this one time. Wu Jingjing continued her search on the back mountain and discovered a blowpipe, which she promptly took home as a potential piece of evidence. With Shen Luo's diligent care, Wu Julan's condition slowly improved.

One day, as they walked along the beach, Shen Luo shared her greatest dream: to travel the world and savor cuisines from every corner of the globe. Wu Julan then surprised her by announcing that he would take her to New York the very next day. It turned out Olivette had invited Wu Julan to perform a sashimi feast in the United States, with Shen Luo acting as his agent.

However, Olivette only provided Shen Luo's plane ticket, as Wu Julan intended to travel by sea. Concurrently, Wu Jingjing informed Jiang Yisheng of her imminent return to New York, prompting Jiang Yisheng to decide he couldn't remain idle and would also go to America. Shen Luo meticulously packed numerous items, preparing for any eventuality, when Jiang Yisheng arrived to inform her that he too had purchased a ticket to the United States.

Upon their arrival in New York, Shen Luo and Jiang Yisheng were captivated by the city's grandeur and vibrancy. Wu Jingjing had arranged luxurious accommodations for them in advance. Shen Luo, overwhelmed by the opulence, inquired about who was footing the bill. Wu Jingjing simply stated it was "the boss," leading Shen Luo to wonder about this mysterious individual who would expend so much effort and money merely for Wu Julan's sashimi feast performance.

In her ongoing investigation into Wu Julan's assailant, Wu Jingjing extracted fingerprints from the blowpipe she found and compared them to everyone around her, but found no match. Unknown to her, An Zuo had already intercepted Zhou Buwen's fingerprint report from a postman. Jiang Yisheng, wanting a private date with Wu Jingjing, sent Shen Luo away. As Shen Luo walked alone by the ocean, Wu Julan appeared behind her. Delighted, she praised his swimming speed.

Wu Julan then seriously declined Wu Jingjing's planned welcome dinner, stating his desire to spend time alone with Shen Luo, a cherished dream for Shen Luo. Later, Shen Luo found herself unable to sleep and repeatedly asked Wu Julan to tell her stories.

She then flirtatiously hinted at wanting to see his "merman lines" and tried to entice him to sleep with her, but Wu Julan opted for the guest room, much to Shen Luo's frustration, who muttered angrily, calling him a "blockhead." The following day, Wu Julan took Shen Luo sightseeing, making her very happy. During their outing, Wu Julan seized the opportunity to confess his love, telling Shen Luo, "I love you."

Soon after, he received a phone call announcing a grand dinner that evening and arranged for a stylist for Shen Luo, who was transformed into an angelic figure for the event. At the dinner, Zhou Buwen and Zhou Buyan also attended. Zhou Buwen, introducing himself as a global vice president, publicly ridiculed Wu Julan as merely a chef fit only for an apron. Wu Julan dismissed his words with disdain, but Shen Luo was visibly upset. Just then, Olivette made her entrance, surrounded by a throng of people.

Episode 19 Recap

Shen Luo saw Michelle holding a picture and confronted Wu Julan, asking if he still remembered the woman in it. Michelle then explained that she had found Bai Yihan’s diary, which contained the picture, and from that moment, Wu Julan's story became deeply imprinted on her heart. She felt as though she was seeing herself when she looked at the picture, which is why she rushed to find him after seeing a video.

Shen Luo expressed her anger, believing that Wu Julan was unreliable for falling in love with another woman after Bai Yihan had died for him. Michelle, claiming to be Bai Yihan's descendant and capitalizing on her striking resemblance to Bai Yihan and her knowledge of their past, directly stated her deep affection for Wu Julan and her intent to stay. She then challenged Shen Luo, asking who Wu Julan would love more.

During a meal, Michelle pointed out Wu Julan's preference for sweet and sour food, implying it was due to Bai Yihan's influence, which Wu Julan confirmed, further upsetting Shen Luo. The formal reception commenced, and Olivet, Wu Jingjing’s grandmother, publicly announced that Regulus was the owner. Shen Luo was stunned to realize that Wu Julan, standing beside her, was Regulus. Zhou Buwen and Zhou Buyan were equally surprised.

Wu Julan, speaking fluent English, then declared Shen Luo to be his girlfriend and life partner, a revelation met with enthusiastic applause from everyone present. Zhou Buwen, enraged, turned and left. He felt his elaborate preparations to prove himself superior to Wu Julan had been mocked. Zhou Buyan suggested her brother was being overly sensitive, but Zhou Buwen vowed never to forget the humiliation and promised to exact revenge on Wu Julan.

An Zuo, who had already known Wu Julan's true identity, was pleased by Zhou Buwen's fury. He had intentionally orchestrated events to provoke Zhou Buwen, believing that only hatred and jealousy could motivate such a resilient person. An Zuo proposed that Zhou Buwen cooperate with him; they could seize the opportunity to kill Wu Julan in two days, during the next full moon, when Wu Julan would be at his weakest.

Jiang Yisheng commented that everything happening felt like a dream, and he wanted Wu Jingjing to introduce him to her family. She, however, made excuses, claiming her family was busy and their relationship had not yet reached the stage for meeting parents. Jiang Yisheng resolved to try harder, but when he took her hand, Wu Jingjing quickly pulled away, leaving both of them awkward. An Zuo observed this interaction from a distance.

Wu Julan, now openly as the owner, guided Shen Luo through the house, which he revealed was a gift for her. Shen Luo found herself slightly uncomfortable with Wu Julan's new identity as a powerful figure. He explained that he had hidden his identity out of necessity and reiterated that Shen Luo was his entire world, assuring her he would abandon everything if she wished. Feeling relieved, Shen Luo felt like a princess in a fairytale.

She longed to kiss Wu Julan, but he only kissed her forehead, which left her disappointed. Later, a drunken Wu Jingjing emerged from a bar and was accosted by several intoxicated men. She managed to knock down one, but another tall black man embraced her, making it impossible for her to break free. An Zuo arrived just in time to rescue her, sustaining a knife wound to his hand in the process.

An Zuo once again confessed his love for her. Wu Jingjing shyly took his hand, avoiding his gaze, and he then drove her away. Olivet spoke with Wu Julan over the phone, advising him to get closer to Michelle to understand her true motives, regardless of her claims of being Bai Yihan’s descendant. She offered to arrange a meeting at the island bar that afternoon and urged him to remain calm and collected.

Separately, Jiang Yisheng, wanting to give Wu Julan and Shen Luo privacy, invited Wu Jingjing to the park. Unexpectedly, he received a call from Shen Luo, who sought his advice on how to be more seductive towards Wu Julan. Just as Shen Luo was about to follow his instructions, Olivet called them both, inviting them for afternoon tea. Later, Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing encountered one of Wu Jingjing's friends in the garden.

Jiang Yisheng introduced himself as Wu Jingjing’s boyfriend, prompting the friend to tease Wu Jingjing about her changed taste in men. Before Wu Jingjing could respond, she received a call from An Zuo, who stated he had something important to tell her, causing her to leave quickly to meet him. Shen Luo and Wu Julan arrived at Olivet's residence for tea. Olivet recounted the origins and evolution of merpeople to Shen Luo.

Shen Luo was deeply impressed to see photographs of Wu Julan with many famous historical figures. Wu Julan then presented Shen Luo with a photo album, hoping she would learn more about him. Finally, Olivet informed Shen Luo that on the 15th day of the lunar month, Wu Julan becomes severely weakened and must return to the sea. She stated she would send him back to the sea the following afternoon at three o'clock. Wu Jingjing met An Zuo.

He declared his willingness to abandon his pursuit of the Spirit Pearl for her love. He also invited her to bring her grandmother to his father's burial the next day. Moved by his sincerity, Wu Jingjing decided to accept his feelings. She then broke up with Jiang Yisheng, admitting she had only used him as a means to forget An Zuo. Jiang Yisheng, reflecting on his wholehearted devotion, felt profound sadness, realizing her acceptance stemmed from gratitude rather than love.

Zhou Buyan appeared before Zhou Buwen wearing the same dress Shen Luo had worn to the party. Zhou Buwen, enraged, demanded she change it immediately, feeling re-humiliated by the dress, which he associated with his earlier public insult from Wu Julan. Shen Luo discovered a heartbroken Jiang Yisheng on the road and brought him home. After her persuasive encouragement, Jiang Yisheng regained his resolve and decided to continue pursuing Wu Jingjing.

Shen Luo, coached by Jiang Yisheng via phone, struggled with various alluring outfits and to embody the "sexy" and elegant demeanor he suggested for her evening with Wu Julan at the island bar. Wu Julan arrived at the bar, and Shen Luo complimented his appearance. Michelle was also present, and Wu Julan admitted he had been asked to meet her, much to Shen Luo's dismay.

Jiang Yisheng continued to instruct Shen Luo by phone on proper etiquette for swirling wine and cutting steak, but Shen Luo's attempts were clumsy. Jiang Yisheng then advised Shen Luo to subtly rub her leg against Wu Julan's under the table. However, Shen Luo's foot fell asleep, and she was caught rubbing the table leg instead, leading Jiang Yisheng to humorously conclude that the problem lay with Wu Julan.

Shen Luo then tried to use classical poetry to highlight her relationship with Wu Julan and dismiss Michelle's past with Bai Yihan. Michelle, revealing her major in Chinese literature, corrected Shen Luo's literary interpretations and attributions, further emphasizing how Bai Yihan's memorable love was still significant. Humiliated, Shen Luo stormed out of the bar, followed by Wu Julan. He massaged her feet, and she pressed him, asking if Michelle truly resembled Bai Yihan and whom he would choose between them.

He eventually promised to choose her, making her happy. Later, Michelle confronted Shen Luo, mocking her earlier embarrassment and questioning why she pursued Wu Julan when he wouldn't even touch her. Shen Luo retorted that Wu Julan was willing, and she simply hadn't made her "big move" yet. That night, Shen Luo attempted to sleep in Wu Julan's room, trying to seduce him. Wu Julan gently tried to persuade her to return to her own room.

When she directly asked if she was not good enough, he assured her she was, leading her to insist she would take responsibility for him. Ultimately, he carried her back to her room, leaving her frustrated and calling him a "blockhead." The next morning, Michelle again taunted Shen Luo about the sounds from Wu Julan's room, reiterating her belief that Wu Julan did not like Shen Luo. Shen Luo adamantly refused to give up.

Michelle then approached Shen Luo, stating she only wanted to see if Wu Julan was doing well and had no intention of ruining their relationship. Shen Luo then pushed Michelle, causing her to fall down the stairs. When Wu Julan arrived, Shen Luo tried to explain that Michelle had fallen on her own, but Michelle claimed Shen Luo had pushed her. A doctor examined Michelle, confirming she only had pulled muscles and would recover in a few days.

Michelle, still feigning weakness, asked Wu Julan to stay, but he left, having his assistant take her home. The assistant then provided Wu Julan with a report revealing Michelle had undergone secret plastic surgery and did not resemble Bai Yihan before, suggesting ulterior motives. An Zuo spoke with Zhou Buwen, who was in New York, and asked him to locate two specific individuals on the island. Zhou Buwen agreed to the task.

Shen Luo was informed by an acquaintance that rumors were circulating about her pushing Michelle down the stairs out of jealousy. Enraged, Shen Luo went to confront Michelle. Michelle admitted she had intentionally fallen to frame Shen Luo and stated that Wu Julan now believed her. Wu Julan arrived, and Shen Luo, on the verge of physically attacking Michelle, was restrained by Jiang Yisheng.

Wu Julan then publicly revealed Michelle's secret plastic surgery, exposing her as an imposter who had altered her appearance to resemble Bai Yihan. Michelle explained that she had undergone reconstructive surgery after a severe accident at age sixteen, and chose to look like Bai Yihan because she had always envied Bai Yihan's relationship with Wu Julan.

She then admitted to framing Shen Luo, claiming it was because Wu Julan had broken his promise to Bai Yihan to love her for his lifetime. Michelle clung to Wu Julan and then fainted. Shen Luo initially thought she was feigning unconsciousness, but Jiang Yisheng confirmed she had genuinely fainted. Shen Luo questioned Wu Julan about his reaction to Michelle's story, pointing out that his past debt to Bai Yihan was distinct from Michelle's manipulative actions.

Wu Julan pondered whether Michelle could truly be a descendant of Bai Yihan. Shen Luo then panicked, regretting her role in Michelle's fainting spell and worrying about her damaged reputation. Wu Julan visited Michelle, who revealed she had a terminal brain tumor, which was inoperable and in its final stage. She tearfully explained that she knew she shouldn't disrupt his life but couldn't die without seeing him, to avoid having any regrets. Shen Luo overheard this confession.

Later, she confided in Jiang Yisheng about Michelle's terminal illness. Michelle then pleaded with Wu Julan, stating that despite the doctor's prognosis, she believed he possessed the power to save her, reminding him that as Bai Yihan's descendant, she knew his secret. Wu Jingjing returned home and informed Olivet that An Zuo had decided to abandon his quest for the Spirit Pearl.

Episode 20 Recap

Wu Jingjing informed her grandmother, Olivet, that An Zuo had decided to abandon his pursuit of the Spiritual Pearl and would be burying his father the following day. She asked Olivet to attend the funeral, reaffirming her love for An Zuo. Although Olivet remained suspicious, Wu Jingjing knelt and tearfully pleaded for her grandmother to give An Zuo another chance. Olivet eventually conceded to her granddaughter's request, unaware that this was all part of An Zuo's sinister new scheme.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yisheng, feeling utterly lost, sought Wu Julan's advice on how to win over a woman, specifically perplexed by Wu Jingjing's continued rejection of him. Wu Jingjing and Olivet arrived at the church, where An Zuo's father lay peacefully in his coffin. Olivet expressed her confusion, wondering why An Zuo, who had spent years relentlessly trying to obtain the Spiritual Pearl to revive his father, would suddenly give up.

An Zuo calmly explained that everyone must face the realities of life, aging, sickness, and death, and that it was better to cherish the people around him than to cling to the past. Olivet wished to pay her final respects to An Zuo's father. However, as she opened the coffin, a thick cloud of toxic gas billowed out, causing her to collapse onto the floor.

Wu Jingjing cried out and cradled her grandmother, while An Zuo coldly stated that although he loved Wu Jingjing, he loved his father more. This elaborate ruse was An Zuo's sinister plan to incapacitate them both, leaving him free to kill Wu Julan that very night. When Wu Jingjing and Olivet later regained consciousness, they discovered they had been bound by Zhou Buwen, realizing he was An Zuo's accomplice.

Overwhelmed with guilt, Wu Jingjing blamed herself for Wu Julan's perilous situation. Wu Julan’s body was critically weak. He had been waiting for Olivet to take him back to the sea, but the agreed-upon time had passed without her arrival. He felt an ominous premonition. Shen Luo urged him not to dwell on it, but seeing Wu Julan’s worsening condition, she decided to take him to the sea with Jiang Yisheng’s help.

As they reached the parking lot, they were ambushed by several men in black. Despite Wu Julan's desperate struggle, he was struck unconscious and abducted. Jiang Yisheng and Shen Luo immediately pursued them. Shen Luo, using Wu Julan's phone for GPS tracking, eventually located him in a warehouse. Shen Luo was shocked to see Zhou Buwen, realizing he was the mastermind. At this point, Wu Julan began to transform into his Merman form, causing Jiang Yisheng to faint from fright.

Shen Luo desperately pleaded with Zhou Buwen to release Wu Julan. However, the deranged Zhou Buwen was solely focused on eliminating his rival and claiming Shen Luo for himself. Just then, An Zuo appeared, holding the Black Devil Knife, and stabbed Wu Julan's arm, preparing to extract the Spiritual Pearl. At this critical moment, Wu Jingjing arrived. It was later revealed that Olivet had never fully trusted An Zuo and had made preparations.

Earlier, Zhou Buyan had discovered Zhou Buwen preparing to ambush someone, dismissing her concerns, but she secretly followed him and witnessed a struggle involving Wu Julan, calling out his name in distress. Wu Jingjing engaged An Zuo in combat and managed to knock him unconscious. Jiang Yisheng, having recovered from his shock, grabbed a wine bottle and struck Zhou Buwen on the head, vehemently scolding him.

Olivet also arrived and instructed Shen Luo and Jiang Yisheng to immediately transport Wu Julan back to the sea. However, on their way, the car unexpectedly ran out of fuel. With midnight fast approaching and Wu Julan facing a life-threatening situation if he didn't reach the ocean, Shen Luo suddenly spotted a nearby aquarium. She quickly brought the barely conscious Wu Julan there. Wu Julan, too weak to move, collapsed.

Shen Luo gently helped him to the side of a large pool and carefully placed him back into the seawater. Once submerged, Wu Julan once again transformed into his magnificent Merman form. Shen Luo was overjoyed to see him revived. Through the glass, Wu Julan and Shen Luo shared their first kiss, and Shen Luo experienced a profound sense of happiness. An Zuo, frustrated by the failure of his plan, vowed that he would, one day, resurrect his father.

Later, Shen Luo wondered why Wu Julan's recovery had been so much slower and more severe this time, compared to previous instances when he quickly regained his strength. Olivet explained to Shen Luo that Wu Julan's increasing weakness was due to the loss of his most vital Spiritual Pearl.

As Olivet was about to disclose the pearl's whereabouts, Wu Julan quickly interrupted her, telling Shen Luo that he only had about a month left to live and that he absolutely had to return to the sea. Shen Luo finally understood why Wu Julan had repeatedly pushed her away; he had known about his limited time and did not want his departure to cause her further pain. Tearfully, Shen Luo reproached Wu Julan.

Jiang Yisheng confronted Zhou Buwen, lambasting him for his despicable actions and declaring their friendship over. However, Zhou Buwen adamantly defended his choices, asserting that he loved Shen Luo and could not tolerate her being with Wu Julan. A fight erupted between them until Zhou Buyan arrived just in time to separate them. Zhou Buyan then confronted Zhou Buwen about shooting Wu Julan.

Zhou Buwen admitted that An Zuo had coerced him, as he owed An Zuo a massive debt due to manipulation during a business venture and was too proud to ask his father for help. He explained that he did it for their future, as An Zuo had promised to wipe away his debt if he complied. Olivet prepared to severely punish Wu Jingjing. Jiang Yisheng rushed over, insisting that Olivet punish him as well.

As a consequence, Olivet tied both of them to a secluded island for two days and two nights. Wu Jingjing chastised Jiang Yisheng for his foolishness, but he, seeing it as a romantic outing, simply wanted to remain by her side. Hungry and thirsty, Jiang Yisheng tried to distract Wu Jingjing by vividly describing sour oranges, hoping it would make her forget her thirst.

Episode 21 Recap

Shen Luo tearfully embraced Wu Julan, pleading with him not to leave. That night, Shen Luo lay awake, devastated by the thought of never seeing Wu Julan again. She angrily cursed him for being heartless and betraying their love. Wu Julan heard every word, his own heart aching. He had intended to act distantly to spare her pain when he eventually left, but facing the woman he deeply loved, he found himself unable to control his emotions.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing were stranded on a deserted island, hungry and exhausted. As night fell, a sudden thunderstorm hit, and Jiang Yisheng, lacking survival training, eventually fainted. When Wu Jingjing awoke, she found herself at home. Granny Olivet had ended their punishment early, convinced of Jiang Yisheng's genuine feelings for Wu Jingjing and not wanting her granddaughter to miss out on true love. The near-death experience significantly changed Wu Jingjing's perception of Jiang Yisheng.

His bravery in a moment of crisis and his deep love for her reopened her heart. Jiang Yisheng, still recalling the shock of seeing Wu Julan transform into a merman, asked Wu Jingjing about it. Wu Jingjing explained that Wu Julan is a merman, the King of the Sea, and that her family consists of witches who have protected the merfolk for generations. Jiang Yisheng declared that no matter Wu Jingjing's identity, he would love her unconditionally.

Unwilling to accept his previous failure, An Zuo informed Zhou Buwen that he would not give up on the spiritual pearl. Zhou Buwen, knowing his involvement had already been exposed to Shen Luo, reluctantly agreed to continue cooperating with An Zuo. An Zuo then had Zhou Buwen help him bring his father's body back to the island. An Zuo, having identified Shen Luo as Wu Julan's true weakness, devised a new strategy.

Zhou Buwen expressed reluctance to involve Shen Luo, but An Zuo assured him she would only be used as bait to lure Wu Julan into their trap, to which Zhou Buwen reluctantly consented. In a separate incident, Zhou Buwen tearfully confessed to Buyan that An Zuo had forced him to act against Wu Julan due to a huge business debt.

He explained that everything he did was for their future and promised that this would be the last time he worked with An Zuo. Buyan, though angry, eventually forgave him after he offered to hit himself. Later, Wu Julan confronted Michelle, demanding to know why she had poisoned him and Shen Luo. Michelle confessed she was merely a fan who had fallen in love with him, and not Bai Yihan, nor was she terminally ill.

Wu Julan then pressed her on how she knew about the spiritual pearl and the specific poisons. Granny Olivet then revealed herself as the mastermind, explaining that she had orchestrated Michelle's plot to steal the spiritual pearl from Shen Luo to save Wu Julan's life, as it was her family's mission to protect him.

Wu Julan was furious, asserting that forcing the woman he loved to die for his longevity was not helping him but would condemn him to a life of pain and regret. Granny Olivet begged for forgiveness, but Wu Julan warned her that if she ever harmed Shen Luo again, he would unleash his fury upon her. Granny promised to find a new medicine for him. Later, Shen Luo found Michelle, who admitted her elaborate deception.

Shen Luo was initially annoyed but then accepted Michelle's apology, happy that Wu Julan had chosen her. Wu Jingjing informed Granny Olivet that Michelle had bought a boat ticket to leave the island. Granny Olivet, though acknowledging her flawed method, maintained her motives were pure: to prolong Wu Julan's life. Granny Olivet also revealed that the black knife had been stolen, suspecting An Zuo.

Wu Jingjing also suspected An Zuo had a subordinate on the island and vowed to investigate further for Wu Julan's safety. The next morning, Wu Julan presented Shen Luo with a passport and plane ticket back to the island, arranging for a driver to take her to the airport at 1 PM. Shen Luo had hoped Wu Julan would stay with her, but he explicitly told her they were breaking up. Upset, Shen Luo left.

Wu Julan watched her car depart from the rooftop, his heart heavy with sorrow. In the car, Shen Luo cried heartbrokenly. Shen Luo returned to the island, where she dreamt of calling out to Wu Julan as he walked away, but he ignored her. When he finally turned back, his chest was bleeding, and he collapsed. Shen Luo woke up, realizing it was just a nightmare.

Still feeling Wu Julan's presence nearby, she checked his room, finding it exactly as he had left it, which left her feeling empty and lost. Upon his return to the island, Jiang Yisheng visited Shen Luo, who informed him of her breakup with Wu Julan. Jiang Yisheng felt the situation was unfair to Shen Luo. Not understanding the reason for their separation, he suggested that Wu Jingjing try to persuade Wu Julan to reconcile.

However, Wu Jingjing maintained that no one could change Wu Julan's decisions. Shen Luo resumed selling seashell wind chimes on the island as usual. One day, a man stole her hard-earned money and fled. Shen Luo chased after him but stumbled and fell. A short while later, the thief returned, bruised and battered, and respectfully returned the money to Shen Luo. It was later revealed that Wu Julan had been secretly protecting her.

Distracted, Shen Luo was cycling home when she nearly crashed her bike. Zhou Buwen approached her, once again attempting to convince her to leave Wu Julan. Recalling Zhou Buwen's past actions, Shen Luo vehemently disliked him and declared she was cutting ties with him. Zhu Yiyang helped Zhou Buwen locate Nurse Zhang, who had worked with Zhang Aiguo years ago. Zhou Buwen learned about Shen Luo's drowning incident from that year.

Realizing the spiritual pearl was within Shen Luo, he was filled with internal conflict. Wu Jingjing met Wu Julan and asked why he had returned to the island. Wu Julan confessed he deeply missed Shen Luo but couldn't accept her love, so he was drinking to cope with his sadness. As Shen Luo was preparing for bed, she discovered a drunken Wu Julan. He fell asleep on her bed, and she instinctively lay down beside him.

They slept through the night in each other's arms. The next morning, Shen Luo awoke to find Wu Julan asleep beside her and was overjoyed. Wu Julan quickly rose and prepared breakfast for her, confirming his continued care. Shortly after, Jiang Yisheng came to Shen Luo, pulling her to a place to give her a surprise. Later that day, Wu Julan proposed taking Shen Luo to New York the following day.

Shen Luo worried about the cost, reminding him that her money was dedicated to repaying her debt. Suddenly, a representative arrived, explaining that Violet, Wu Jingjing's grandmother, whose boss had seen Wu Julan's sashimi feast pictures online, wished to invite him to New York for a performance. Shen Luo was thrilled, exclaiming about how fortunate they were. However, the representative clarified that only Wu Julan was invited. Wu Julan insisted that Shen Luo, as his manager, must accompany him.

The representative then provided Wu Julan with a plane ticket, but Wu Julan stated he preferred traveling by sea. Wu Jingjing later informed Jiang Yisheng that she was returning to New York with Wu Julan as her exchange program was ending. Jiang Yisheng was distraught, lamenting that their beautiful love had just begun, and he hadn't even held her hand before she was giving their romance a "terminal illness notification."

Wu Jingjing simply told him, "Jiang Yisheng, you are a good person," effectively ending their budding romance. Jiang Yisheng, however, resolved not to give up and vowed to pursue his happiness. Shen Luo began overpacking for New York, believing they needed to be frugal due to their debt. Wu Julan offered to help, but Shen Luo told him to recuperate.

Jiang Yisheng then arrived, announcing that he was also coming to New York, having taken vacation days and bought a ticket to pursue his true love, Wu Jingjing. Wu Jingjing gave her assistant a blowgun that was found at the scene where Regulus was attacked, instructing him to gather fingerprints from Shen Luo, Jiang Yisheng, Zhou Buwen, Zhou Buyan, and Zhu Yiyang for comparison. She also told her assistant that she and Regulus would return to New York tomorrow morning.

Granny Olivet expressed her concern to Wu Jingjing, saying, "Liangliang, I can guess why he wants to bring Xiao Luo to New York." She lamented how the two people who shouldn't love each other had fallen in love, explaining that their love, like fireworks, would be beautiful but fleeting, followed by eternal pain. An Zuo received news from his subordinate, who confirmed that Xiao Luo and Regulus were going to America tomorrow morning.

An Zuo viewed this as them "sending themselves to him" and deduced that Regulus was going to New York to show off. He then hinted at finding a way to help his subordinate. Later, An Zuo received the fingerprint report. The report indicated that the fingerprints on the poisonous blowgun matched his subordinate's.

An Zuo angrily confronted his subordinate over the phone, asking if he knew what the blowgun was, and saying, "This is the report that says your fingerprints are on the weapon." He chastised him for using the weapon himself and warned him about the consequences if he defied orders again. An Zuo assured him that he had intercepted the report from the mailman, so Wu Jingjing would not discover his involvement.

His subordinate repeatedly apologized and promised there wouldn't be a next time. In New York, Shen Luo, Jiang Yisheng, and Wu Jingjing marveled at the luxurious car and the city's towering buildings. Wu Jingjing explained that Wu Julan had taken the "water path" to New York. Jiang Yisheng was incredulous, wondering how long it would take to travel from China to America by boat.

They arrived at a lavish residence, which Wu Jingjing confirmed was where they would be staying, courtesy of her boss. The door code was Shen Luo's birthday, which further piqued Jiang Yisheng's suspicion. Inside, Shen Luo was overwhelmed by the opulence, remarking that it must be incredibly expensive to stay there even for one day. Jiang Yisheng questioned who would treat a chef with such lavish accommodations.

Wu Jingjing instructed Xiao Luo and Wu Julan to stay in the upstairs room, and Jiang Yisheng in the downstairs guestroom. She mentioned her boss was busy but they would all have dinner together that evening. Jiang Yisheng jokingly told Xiao Luo to rest and get rid of her jet lag, so he could spend time alone with Liangliang.

Jiang Yisheng then pressed Wu Jingjing about the reliability of her grandma's boss, finding the extravagant treatment and Xiao Luo's birthday as the door code suspicious. He humorously suggested it might be an international criminal attracted to him and Xiao Luo. Wu Jingjing scoffed, assuring him that her grandma had worked with her boss her entire life and knew him very well.

Jiang Yisheng then playfully tried to be romantic, but Wu Jingjing told him to change clothes so they could go for a walk. Xiao Luo called Wu Julan, who quickly met her, telling her, "If I wasn't hurt, I'd have been even faster." As Xiao Luo called Liangliang, Wu Julan took the phone and told Liangliang to inform her boss that he planned to spend the evening alone with Xiao Luo.

Xiao Luo admired his confidence, to which Wu Julan replied, "In my eyes, no one is more important than you." He then warned her not to act like a "village bumpkin" when they returned to their luxurious lodging. Xiao Luo then expressed her desire for him to see it.

Later, Wu Julan read to Shen Luo "Agnete and the Merman," a story about a merman and a human girl who fall in love and have children, but the girl eventually leaves the merman. Shen Luo reassured him she was not Agnete and would not leave him, then teasingly asked if he knew what a "mermaid line" was. Despite the luxurious accommodations, Wu Julan opted to sleep in the guestroom.

The next day, at a meal, Shen Luo tried to give Wu Julan some of her money to spend, explaining that it was money they earned together, and "what's mine is his." Wu Julan accepted it, stating that for a man to spend a woman's money requires a lot of attraction. Jiang Yisheng, seeing this, jokingly offered to give Wu Jingjing money, saying, "What's mine is yours!"

Afterwards, Shen Luo, Wu Jingjing, and Jiang Yisheng took a walk in Central Park, where they marveled at the scenery and discussed the mysterious wealthy boss, wondering about his identity and motives. Wu Jingjing then received a call, informing her that Violet had arranged a party for them that evening. During this walk, Wu Julan told Shen Luo, "Xiao Luo, no matter what happens to me from now on, you must remember that I love you."

That evening, Shen Luo tried on an outfit, asking Wu Julan if it was suitable for the party. He downplayed its importance, saying she was the one invited, and he was merely accompanying her, so what he wore didn't matter. Shen Luo expressed reluctance to spend money on an expensive gown in New York. Wu Jingjing arrived with stylists, explaining that her boss had arranged them for Shen Luo's complete makeover. Shen Luo noted that the boss seemed to have thought of everything. Later, Wu Julan complimented Shen Luo, telling her, "Xiao Luo, you're so pretty today."

Episode 22 Recap

Upset by Wu Julan's past actions, Shen Luo feigned exhaustion, determined to make him do chores as a silent punishment for what she considered a betrayal. Later, Jiang Yisheng took Shen Luo on a series of unreliable blind dates. To further provoke Wu Julan, Shen Luo purposefully went on a date with one man. However, the man soon became aggressive, attempting to force her into a private room.

Shen Luo cried out for Wu Julan, who promptly arrived, chased the man away, and took her with him. After this incident, Wu Julan confessed to Shen Luo that he could never forget her. Despite only having a month left, he wanted to spend that time truly with her. Overcome with emotion, Shen Luo embraced Wu Julan, declaring she never wanted to be apart from him again. They resolved to cherish their remaining month together, living each day joyfully.

Shen Luo meticulously planned their days, while Wu Julan delighted her with his cooking. She remained constantly by his side, and in a tender moment, Wu Julan kissed her through a blanket, making Shen Luo feel as though she was living a dream. During this period, Wu Julan's health visibly deteriorated.

He shared with Shen Luo that he would soon have to return to the deep sea, and this time, he would not come back, a revelation that deeply distressed her. Shen Luo expressed her wish to go to the sea to see him. During this period, Jiang Yisheng's old habits resurfaced as he accepted chocolates from an admiring girl.

Wu Jingjing, however, was quick to punish him by making him "kneel on the remote control" and warned him about Wu Julan's potential wrath if he discovered Jiang Yisheng's role in setting up Shen Luo's blind dates. Ironically, this series of events inadvertently led to Shen Luo and Wu Julan's heartfelt reconciliation. As a reward, Wu Jingjing kissed Jiang Yisheng, sending him into a state of pure exhilaration.

He lavished Wu Jingjing with compliments, saying she was so pretty he would never tire of her. Jiang Yisheng then spoke of Shen Luo and Wu Julan, expressing his desire for their own relationship to progress quickly. Shen Luo, eager for their relationship to deepen, secretly sought advice from Jiang Yisheng on how to encourage Wu Julan to kiss her.

She attempted various playful tactics, such as purposefully getting food on her lips and gazing at him flirtatiously, or doing sit-ups to bring her lips tantalizingly close. However, Wu Julan remained unaffected. Jiang Yisheng, speaking to Shen Luo over the phone, suggested that Wu Julan might have a "problem" that required "medicine." Later, Shen Luo concocted a cocktail she named "Passionate Desire" for Wu Julan, but he remained immune to its effects, explaining that human-made concoctions were useless on him.

Meanwhile, Wu Jingjing encountered an old college friend named Lily, who questioned her choice of boyfriend, Jiang Yisheng. Later, Wu Jingjing received an urgent, mysterious phone call, informing her, "I have a very important matter to tell you. I must see you. I'll wait for you at the old place." This compelled her to leave abruptly.

To Shen Luo's astonishment, at a grand banquet, Violet, the elegant host, introduced her boss, "Regulus," as a key partner in expanding their business in Asia. Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing were also present, along with a man named "Da Tou," who introduced himself as a newly promoted vice president. To everyone's surprise, "Regulus" was revealed to be Wu Julan.

He then proudly introduced Shen Luo as his girlfriend to all his guests, declaring, "Shen Luo is the love of my life. I will share my whole life with her, including the happiness and hardship that life presents." As a belated birthday gift, Wu Julan presented Shen Luo with a house. Shen Luo felt overwhelmed by his wealth and hidden identity, confessing her unease to Wu Julan. He reassured her, "You're not one out of a thousand. You're my everything.

I must hide my identity in front of others. I'm changing, but in my heart, you'll never change." He promised that everything she saw was real, not a mere fairy tale. At the same banquet, Zhou Buwen experienced profound humiliation at Wu Julan's public display of power. Feeling like a "joke" and unable to compare to Wu Julan, he swore he would never forget the shame he endured.

An Zuo, a cunning manipulator, later leveraged Zhou Buwen's deep-seated hatred and envy, telling him they were his greatest weapons. An Zuo outlined his plan to exploit Wu Julan's weakness, Shen Luo, to acquire the Spirit Pearl. He promised to make Wu Julan disappear forever from Shen Luo's life if Zhou Buwen cooperated. An Zuo specifically noted that Wu Julan would be particularly weak on the fifteenth of the month, only two days away, and his death would come then.

Separately, Zhou Buyan, aware of Zhou Buwen's love for islands, bought him a beautiful villa, touching his heart with her sincerity. To further educate Shen Luo about his world, Wu Julan took her to a public library. There, through old photographs, he revealed his friendships with historical figures like Lincoln, Emerson, and Morse. Shen Luo also saw a photo of a woman named Bai Yihan.

She then met Violet, who revealed her family were Nuwu, generations of protectors and researchers of merpeople, and that she was Wu Jingjing's grandmother. Violet explained that merpeople are viviparous, not fish, and share a common ancestry with humans, having simply adapted to the ocean. She confirmed that on the fifteenth of every month, Wu Julan must return to the sea, his true home, or face death.

She informed Shen Luo that the next day was the fifteenth, and that she would pick Shen Luo up from the villa at 3 PM to take her to the ocean. Zhou Buwen, determined not to forget his humiliation, continued to work with An Zuo. However, he still tried to protect Shen Luo, not wanting the woman he loved to be harmed by An Zuo.

He attempted to secretly send Nurse Zhang away to protect Shen Luo from An Zuo's schemes, but An Zuo, who had been hiding, intercepted Nurse Zhang and learned that the Spirit Pearl was indeed within Shen Luo. Shen Luo, eager to spend time with Wu Julan, tried various things. When she fell from the stairs pretending to faint, Wu Julan caught her, but then expressed concern that his powers were diminishing and he might not be able to protect her.

Later, to cherish every moment, Shen Luo took Wu Julan to a night market, where she bought him very spicy grilled squid. Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing were also at the night market and encountered Zhou Buwen and Zhou Buyan. Jiang Yisheng tried to confront Zhou Buwen but was threatened, and Wu Jingjing intervened, allowing Zhou Buyan to lead Zhou Buwen away.

During a riddle game, Wu Julan suddenly became unwell while retrieving a lantern they had won, causing him to drop it. Wu Jingjing arrived just in time to take him away. Searching for Wu Julan, Shen Luo sensed she was being followed and bumped into Zhou Buwen, allowing An Zuo to slip away unnoticed. Zhou Buwen, once again, urged Shen Luo to leave Wu Julan for her own safety, but she steadfastly refused.

That night, Shen Luo, clutching her blanket, quietly entered Wu Julan's room, expecting him to be asleep. To her surprise, he was awake. She playfully swore she had no ulterior motives, only for a clap of thunder to rumble, exposing her playful lie. Wu Julan, however, didn't object, pulling her into an embrace, and they sweetly fell asleep together. Zhou Buyan, growing increasingly suspicious of her brother's secretive behavior, followed him.

When confronted, Zhou Buwen confessed that he could not forget the humiliation he had endured in America and vowed that Wu Julan must die. Separately, Zhou Buwen had earlier helped An Zuo bring his father's body back to the island. Later, Zhou Buwen witnessed An Zuo injecting himself with a special medicine, which An Zuo claimed was necessary to contend with the merman Wu Julan.

An Zuo then urged Zhou Buwen to act immediately, aiming to acquire the Spirit Pearl soon, which would also enable Zhou Buwen to obtain Shen Luo. The island's annual festival commenced, with Wu Julan and Shen Luo joining the festivities, wearing masks. During a lively folk performance, An Zuo launched his attack on Shen Luo. Wu Julan and Wu Jingjing immediately pursued An Zuo, but it was a calculated diversion.

Seizing the opportunity, Zhou Buwen, disguised as Wu Julan, led Shen Luo away from the crowd. An Zuo then drugged and abducted Shen Luo. Upon returning to the performance area, Wu Julan and Wu Jingjing realized they had fallen for An Zuo's trap, discovering Shen Luo was gone.

Episode 23 Recap

An Zuo approached Wu Jingjing, expressing that he knew she would come. He admitted he understood something now and couldn't bear to lose her, though she countered that his wish couldn't come true. He confessed that during their time apart, he tried various methods to forget her, including drinking heavily, seeing a psychologist, and even dating someone he didn't like, but nothing worked because he couldn't forget her.

He insisted he doesn't hide his emotions like she does and acknowledged her suffering over the years. When Wu Jingjing asked if his goal was more important than her, he questioned what if he was willing to give it up. An Zuo then announced his decision to bury his father the next morning at St. Barbara church, inviting Wu Jingjing and her grandmother, Violet, to participate.

Wu Jingjing hesitantly asked if he truly intended to give up on the spiritual pearl. Meanwhile, Shen Luo regained consciousness to find herself bound in a dilapidated warehouse. Zhou Buwen revealed to her that An Zuo's actions were solely aimed at acquiring the spiritual pearl inside her, to use against Wu Julan, as An Zuo had long known about its presence. An Zuo then dismissed Zhou Buwen, intending to extract the pearl himself.

Elsewhere, Jiang Yisheng and Wu Julan were frantically searching for Shen Luo. A breathless Zhou Buwen arrived, admitting that Shen Luo was in An Zuo's custody. At the church, Violet confronted An Zuo, stating he had no right to her forgiveness after all the harm he had caused Regulus. She explained that she was only there because Wu Jingjing had pleaded with her all night. She urged An Zuo to be sincere with Wu Jingjing and not betray her trust.

An Zuo thanked Violet, claiming he invited her to alleviate her worries, but his true intentions were sinister. He activated a trap, surprising Violet and Wu Jingjing. An Zuo then callously told Wu Jingjing that while he loved her, he loved his father even more. He dismissed her pain, stating he never expected her forgiveness and that she was merely sedated. He declared that after he acquired the mermaid's spiritual pearl that day, he would release her.

In a separate disheartening conversation, Wu Jingjing broke up with Jiang Yisheng. When he initially thought she was joking, she insisted she was serious, stating she had never loved him and had only used him as a means to forget someone else. A heartbroken Jiang Yisheng refused to believe her, but Wu Jingjing firmly reiterated that she had never loved him and couldn't continue lying to herself and him.

Later, Zhu Yiyang tried to comfort a despondent Jiang Yisheng, suggesting he should have given up on Wu Jingjing and prepare for her marriage. However, Jiang Yisheng was resolute, declaring he couldn't give up and would fight to the end as Wu Jingjing was not yet married and he still had a chance. He was determined not to abandon Wu Jingjing. Back at the warehouse, Shen Luo managed to fray her ropes.

As she attempted to flee, An Zuo discovered her and knocked her unconscious. Zhou Buwen then guided Wu Julan's group to the warehouse. Jiang Yisheng rushed towards the bound Shen Luo, but inadvertently stepped on a trigger, revealing a bomb attached to her. They quickly realized it was a dummy disguised as Shen Luo. Wu Julan, with superhuman speed, rescued Jiang Yisheng and flung the bomb into the sea, preventing an explosion.

Although Shen Luo's trail was lost, Zhou Buwen's foresight in placing a tracker on her provided a new lead. An Zuo had already taken Shen Luo onto a boat. He used a knife to cut her arm and extracted the spiritual pearl. Wu Julan, having transformed into his mermaid form, swiftly pursued them. He conjured a massive wave, overturning An Zuo's boat.

The spiritual pearl slipped from An Zuo's grasp as Wu Julan plunged into the sea with both the pearl and Shen Luo. A sudden, violent storm erupted, accompanied by lightning and thunder. Wu Julan used his powers to strike An Zuo, knocking him into the churning waters. After the storm subsided and the sea grew calm, An Zuo was washed ashore, unconscious. Jiang Yisheng performed CPR, successfully reviving him.

Meanwhile, Wu Julan prepared to return the spiritual pearl to Shen Luo. Wu Jingjing arrived and attempted to stop him, but Wu Julan remained steadfast. He believed Shen Luo's life was more precious than his own. He returned the spiritual pearl to Shen Luo with a true love's kiss, causing her to awaken. Witnessing this tender moment, Zhou Buwen quietly departed. Wu Julan gently carried the awakened Shen Luo along the beach.

She excitedly envisioned him as a heroic rescuer, but then Wu Julan, weakened by his actions, collapsed on the sand. Violet later explained that Wu Julan's increasing weakness was due to the loss of his most vital possession, the spiritual pearl, which grants mermaids eternal life. Without it, his body had been deteriorating for 150 years, and he only had one month left.

Wu Julan himself confirmed to Shen Luo that in a month, he would have to return to the ocean forever. An Zuo, after being revived, learned that his boat had exploded and his father's body was lost to the sea. He was devastated, lamenting to his deceased father that he couldn't save him, but vowed to resurrect him one day.

Wu Jingjing, witnessing his despair, attempted to console him, urging him to release his obsession and accept reality, as there were things more important than life itself. Shen Luo returned home, where Zhou Buwen followed. She reacted with anger, striking him with a broom. Zhou Buwen earnestly apologized, confessing that his misguided love for Shen Luo led him to become An Zuo's accomplice, causing harm to his lifelong friends and nearly to the woman he loved.

He returned a childhood photo of the three friends to Jiang Yisheng. Both Jiang Yisheng and Shen Luo, understanding his predicament, eventually forgave him. Earlier, Jiang Yisheng had vehemently confronted Zhou Buwen for abducting Wu Julan, accusing him of being a monster. Zhou Buwen retaliated, calling Wu Julan a monster and threatening to kill him.

Jiang Yisheng condemned Zhou Buwen's despicable tactics, recalling their shared childhood and expressing his heartbreak that the "Da Tou" he once knew had transformed into a frightening stranger, effectively disowning him as a brother. Later, Zhu Yiyang informed Zhou Buwen that Zhou Buyan had purchased a boat ticket, planning to leave the island. Zhou Buwen rushed to the pier, desperately pleading with Zhou Buyan to stay. She insisted on leaving, feeling she was an unnecessary presence.

Zhou Buwen, however, promised to start a new life with her and cherish their relationship. His heartfelt words moved Zhou Buyan, and she chose to remain on the island. After enduring numerous trials and overcoming all obstacles, Shen Luo and Wu Julan were finally together. Shen Luo envisioned a future of traveling the world with Wu Julan, growing old together, and even transforming into a fish to be with him eternally.

Wu Julan promised to take her into the vast ocean. An Zuo prepared to depart from the island. He shared with Jiang Yisheng the story of his relationship with Wu Jingjing, regretting that their deep love had ultimately succumbed to fate. He resolved to let go of his feelings for her. Wu Jingjing joined Jiang Yisheng to bid An Zuo farewell. Jiang Yisheng, now free of his rival, was visibly delighted. Shen Luo remained constantly by Wu Julan's side, even accompanying him to the restroom, her actions stemming from a profound fear that he might leave her at any moment.

Episode 24 Recap

Jiang Yisheng confronted Zhou Buwen, accusing him of being despicable and warning him to stay away from Shen Luo. Zhou Buwen retaliated, questioning how he could allow Shen Luo to be with a "monster" like Wu Julan, given what Shen Luo meant to him. Jiang Yisheng countered that Shen Luo did not love Zhou Buwen and Wu Julan had never harmed her, unlike Zhou Buwen, who had "done every bad thing possible."

Jiang Yisheng severed their brotherhood, declaring that the "good brother Da Tou" in his heart was long dead, and Zhou Buwen now "frightens" him. Zhou Buwen accepted the severance, threatening to "teach [them] a lesson." Zhou Buyan intervened in a physical altercation between them, demanding to know why Jiang Yisheng was hitting her brother. Jiang Yisheng accused Zhou Buwen of escalating from trickery to attempting murder.

Zhou Buyan later confronted Zhou Buwen about not returning home and his continued involvement with An Zuo, begging him to stop. Zhou Buwen defiantly stated he acted willingly and challenged her to report him. Despite his stubbornness, Zhou Buyan insisted she trusted him and was willing to help him if he would just give her a reason. Wu Jingjing's grandmother reprimanded her, stating she had almost jeopardized their family's generations-long duty to the mermaids due to her personal feelings.

Wu Jingjing accepted responsibility and requested severe punishment. Jiang Yisheng immediately offered to take the punishment in her place, then insisted on enduring it alongside her. Wu Jingjing warned him that their family's punishment was like torture, and he, a normal person, might not survive two days and nights, unlike her, who had been specially trained since childhood. Jiang Yisheng, shocked, asked why she hadn't revealed the severity of the punishment earlier.

While undergoing their ordeal on a rock, Jiang Yisheng, suffering from dehydration, attempted to cheer Wu Jingjing by reminiscing about a tangerine tree at their hospital. Wu Jingjing realized he was trying to console himself through illusions. Meanwhile, An Zuo discussed his plans with an associate, reflecting on their previous failure to acquire the mermaid pearl. He declared he had put "everything on the line" and could not give up, especially after losing something vital to him.

He then unveiled his "perfect plan" to defeat Wu Julan by targeting Shen Luo, whom he identified as Wu Julan's "true weakness." He assured his associate that he would not harm Shen Luo but would use her as a lure to trap Wu Julan. The associate, after some initial hesitation, agreed to trust him and await his news.

Later, the grandmother ended Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing's punishment early, not for Wu Jingjing, but out of concern that Jiang Yisheng might not survive, which would cause Wu Jingjing to lose someone truly good to her. She imparted wisdom, suggesting that only through unforgettable pain could one re-examine the meaning of fate and discover the "most beautiful scenery" that had always been beside them.

Jiang Yisheng, despite being starved, expressed happiness to be with Wu Jingjing, making light of his own suffering. Wu Jingjing thanked him for showing her "the most beautiful scenery," playfully teasing him about his physical boasts failing him when he fainted on the rock. To mend fences and celebrate their reconciliation, Shen Luo hosted a dinner, inviting Zhou Buwen, Zhou Buyan, Jiang Yisheng, and Wu Jingjing. Zhou Buwen announced his relationship with Zhou Buyan, receiving congratulations.

Shen Luo then shared that, after her persistent pleas, Wu Julan had decided to stay, a revelation that delighted everyone. Following this, Wu Julan took Shen Luo to his home in the vast ocean. They joyfully swam with sea snails and fish, savoring their shared moments. However, Wu Julan's body began to weaken. Wu Jingjing helped him with his medication, expressing frustration that he was hiding his impending death from Shen Luo.

Wu Julan confirmed he only had one month left, explaining his desire to spend his remaining time making Shen Luo happy, knowing she would sacrifice everything to save him if she knew the truth. At night, Zhou Buwen quietly went to the laboratory and took a mysterious medicine bottle. In the evening, Shen Luo feigned that her bed was broken and insisted on sleeping with Wu Julan.

Wu Julan, unable to resist Shen Luo's playful charms, turned over and hugged her tightly. Shen Luo happily lay in Wu Julan's arms, imagining whether their child would be human or fish. Wu Julan told Shen Luo to sleep soundly. The next morning, Shen Luo woke to an empty bed. Wu Julan had prepared her breakfast and playfully corrected her wrongly buttoned shirt, an intimate gesture she still found slightly unfamiliar.

Shen Luo later went to the hospital to return Jiang Yisheng's forgotten phone. There, she overheard Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing discussing Wu Julan's condition, confirming that his fate was death regardless of his choices, and that he had been relying on medication, hiding the truth to protect her. Heartbroken, Shen Luo fled to the beach, contemplating Wu Julan's permanent departure and cherishing their beautiful memories.

Wu Jingjing followed, explaining that her family had exhausted all methods to save Wu Julan and that all his actions were motivated by his wish for Shen Luo's happiness. Shen Luo, accepting the grim reality, resolved to make Wu Julan's remaining days as joyful as possible. Zhu Yiyang noticed Zhou Buwen was still tracking Shen Luo, believing he hadn't moved on. He advised Zhou Buyan to keep a closer watch on Zhou Buwen.

Zhou Buyan initially expressed faith in Zhou Buwen but later confronted him at home. Zhou Buwen confessed he still loved Shen Luo and that his relationship with Zhou Buyan was a pretense. He requested time, asserting he would eventually forget Shen Luo and that love could overcome anything, which brought a smile to Zhou Buyan's face.

Zhou Buwen later met a former colleague of Dr. Zhang Aiguo, a nurse, seeking information about any unusual or "freakish" patient-related incidents during Dr. Zhang Aiguo's work, to which the nurse responded that strange occurrences were common in emergency rescue. Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing, present at Shen Luo's home for dinner, observed Shen Luo's outward composure, which perplexed Jiang Yisheng as he knew she was aware of Wu Julan's impending death.

He did not realize she was suppressing her grief for Wu Julan's sake. While strolling by the sea, Shen Luo took the initiative and proposed marriage to Wu Julan. He knelt, accepted, and placed a ring on her finger, declaring them family. Overwhelmed with emotion, Shen Luo wept tears of joy, and Wu Julan held her close. Back home, they joyfully planned their wedding, playfully discussing inviting fish and shrimp from the sea, cherishing their precious, final moments together.

Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing were astonished to learn of the wedding, scheduled for two days later. Shen Luo extended an invitation to Zhou Buwen and Zhou Buyan. Wu Jingjing later confided in Wu Julan that Shen Luo was fully aware of his impending death and had proposed to ensure they had no regrets. Concurrently, strange events plagued the island, with residents' chickens mysteriously dying, causing widespread fear and unease among the community.

Episode 25 Recap

An old story circulated among unnamed people on the island about a miraculously resurrected drowned girl. Doctors had pronounced her dead after thirty minutes without oxygen, but her grandfather insisted she was alive, and after several hours, she revived. Her name was Shen Luo. Wu Julan, having returned to the island but concealing himself, was confronted by Shen Luo, who had noticed him secretly following her. She was angry he had hidden from her.

The following morning, she teased him about getting drunk the previous night and sneaking into her bed. She questioned why he had returned without consulting her on such an important matter. Wu Julan asked if she wanted to see him, to which she playfully responded that his actions, like following her from America and drunkenly crawling into her bed, revealed his true feelings. She declared that he still loved her. Shen Luo urged him to drop his ego and apologize.

Wu Julan offered a simple apology for his embarrassment, but Shen Luo found it insufficient and angrily called him a "lying brat" who liked to hide, telling him to leave. When Wu Julan actually started to leave, Shen Luo was surprised and chided him for his indecisiveness, vowing to deal with him someday. Later, Wu Julan expressed his apology to Shen Luo, admitting he had no promises to make and shouldn't interfere with her life, but he couldn't help it.

He told her that after he left, she was free to love anyone she chose, but he wished to spend his remaining month with her. Shen Luo, acknowledging he finally spoke the truth, initially feigned reluctance, calling him boring and a jerk. She then confessed her deep regret over their breakup, admitting her heart ached without him. She declared her willingness to spend any time they had left together, even a week or a day.

Embracing, they vowed never to separate again and to live each day as if it were their last. Shen Luo then playfully demanded Wu Julan cook her different meals every day for the next month. As they spent time together, Wu Julan sensed his powers slowly diminishing. They shared a poignant conversation about his inevitable return to the ocean depths, explaining that he would go where she couldn't follow and wouldn't return, even in her old age.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yisheng, believing Shen Luo to be heartbroken, attempted to distract her by setting her up on multiple blind dates. Shen Luo, annoyed by the unsuitable suitors, used the opportunity to try and provoke Wu Julan, who had been secretly watching her. When one of the dates turned aggressive, Wu Julan intervened, rescuing Shen Luo. He later confronted Jiang Yisheng, jokingly accusing him of flirting with other women.

Jiang Yisheng, initially confused, was shocked to learn that Wu Julan had returned to the island and had witnessed his attempts to set Shen Luo up. Wu Jingjing clarified that Wu Julan had been by Shen Luo's side all along and that Jiang Yisheng's misguided efforts had, in fact, helped Shen Luo and Wu Julan reconcile. When Jiang Yisheng asked for a reward for his accidental good deed, Wu Jingjing showed him a beautiful view, which he found satisfying.

Wu Julan and Shen Luo continued to cherish their time together. Shen Luo playfully jumped into the sea, pretending to drown, only to be caught by Wu Julan, who made her promise not to do such dangerous things again. He drew a tattoo on her neck, assuring her that for the remaining days, he would fulfill her every wish. Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing reiterated their concerns about Shen Luo's upcoming marriage, urging her to reconsider.

Shen Luo, masking her pain with a forced smile, asked them to be her maid of honor and best man, claiming she would forever cherish the memories of her time with Wu Julan. As she left to deliver wedding invitations, her tears streamed down her face once she was alone.

Wu Julan, learning from Wu Jingjing that Shen Luo was aware of his impending death, felt conflicted but resolved to make her remaining time happy, despite his inability to fulfill her wish for a lifetime together. Wu Jingjing implored him not to leave Shen Luo with regrets. Shen Luo's stepmother, Su Gui Fang, arrived on the island upon hearing about the wedding. Her terror returned when she realized the groom was Wu Julan, recalling his merman form.

Jiang Yisheng seized the moment to take her to his hospital, where he and Wu Jingjing fabricated a diagnosis of delusional disorder, which partially relieved Su Gui Fang. Back home, still wary, Su Gui Fang questioned Wu Julan's background and wealth. Upon discovering he possessed nothing, she angrily berated Shen Luo, fearing Wu Julan would be a financial burden. That evening, she attempted to brainwash Shen Luo into breaking off the engagement.

The next day, Grandma Olivet came looking for Wu Julan and introduced herself to Su Gui Fang as Wu Julan's American housekeeper, asking her to pass on a document. Su Gui Fang eagerly opened it after Grandma left, discovering it was a deed to Wu Julan's property, along with bank deposits totaling over a hundred million. Su Gui Fang's attitude towards Wu Julan immediately changed, becoming overly solicitous.

When Su Gui Fang gave Wu Julan the document, he and Shen Luo understood the reason for her sudden change. Meanwhile, Zhou Buyan stumbled upon a small vial of solution hidden in Zhou Buwen's bookshelf. Discovering it contained potent Mandrake poison, she confronted her brother about it. Zhou Buwen claimed An Zuo had left it with him.

He then feigned discarding the poison by pouring it into a sink, but secretly soaked it into a tissue, later wringing it out to retrieve the liquid after Zhou Buyan had left. Zhu Yiyang, feeling guilty about his past complicity in Zhou Buwen's "illicit deeds," discussed Zhou Buwen's actions with Zhou Buyan, promising to help persuade Zhou Buwen to change his ways for his sister's sake.

Zhou Buyan later tried to convince Zhou Buwen to buy a house and open a hotel on the island, but he dismissed the idea, citing its plainness and his preference for the city. Heartbroken by Shen Luo's wedding invitation, Zhou Buwen reminisced about his impoverished childhood and Shen Luo's kindness towards him, which had fueled his ambition to become wealthy and marry her. Unwilling to accept defeat, he vowed to win her back.

Zhu Yiyang confronted Zhou Buwen, accusing him of not truly loving Zhou Buyan. Enraged by Zhou Buwen's dismissive remarks, Zhu Yiyang brandished his phone, threatening to expose a video. The video showed Shen Luo's grandfather collapsing in the forest, and Zhou Buwen, after following Wu Julan, deliberately refusing to administer life-saving medicine, watching Shen Luo's grandfather die. Zhou Buwen attempted to seize the phone, leading to a violent struggle where Zhu Yiyang vented years of accumulated resentment.

Zhu Yiyang then proposed a deal: he would help Zhou Buwen win Shen Luo if Zhou Buwen agreed to hand over Zhou Buyan. Zhou Buwen reluctantly accepted. Grandma Olivet expressed her disapproval of Wu Julan marrying Shen Luo, viewing her as a descendant of his enemies. Wu Jingjing pleaded with Grandma to respect their deep love and offer her blessings. She then entrusted An Zuo's Black Magic Knife to Grandma, asking her to destroy it.

While rehearsing the wedding ceremony by the sea, Jiang Yisheng, moved by the atmosphere, expressed his eagerness to marry Wu Jingjing, and the two shared a passionate embrace. Zhou Buyan excitedly showed Zhou Buwen her outfit for the wedding, but he was preoccupied with his sinister plan to poison Wu Julan during the ceremony. As their wedding day approached, Wu Julan, sustained by medicine, cherished every moment with Shen Luo.

They visited a bustling night market, enjoying spicy squid skewers and playful banter. Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing observed them, delighted by their blossoming romance. At the market, Zhu Yiyang confronted Zhou Buwen, who was attempting to monopolize a vendor. After Zhu Yiyang forced Zhou Buwen to apologize, a scuffle broke out, with Wu Julan stepping in to defend Zhu Yiyang.

Later, Wu Julan and Shen Luo participated in a lantern riddle, where Wu Julan's clever answer, interpreting "lovers will eventually get together" as "terrified" (symbolizing two hearts becoming one), amused Shen Luo. An unexpected fire then erupted on a lantern, which Wu Julan quickly extinguished. On the wedding day, Shen Luo awoke to find Wu Julan already gone; Jiang Yisheng informed her that Wu Julan had left early to prepare the venue.

Zhou Buwen approached Wu Julan to offer a toast, his wine secretly laced with poison. Suspecting his malicious intent, Wu Julan politely declined, citing concerns about drinking before the ceremony. Amidst the joyous gathering of friends and family, Shen Luo, radiant in her wedding gown, walked towards Wu Julan. As she excitedly stumbled, Wu Julan caught her. At that precise moment, his hand began to transform into a merman's.

Zhou Buwen had discreetly placed a poisoned needle on Shen Luo's dress, which pricked Wu Julan when he touched her. Witnessing Wu Julan's agonizing transformation, Zhou Buwen smiled malevolently. The transformation was complete: Wu Julan became a merman, triggering a sudden storm. Panic erupted, and guests fled as Wu Julan plunged into the sea. Su Gui Fang, terrified, stumbled towards the dock to escape the island.

Jiang Yisheng intercepted her, revealing Wu Julan's true identity as a merman and threatening her with dire consequences if she ever spoke of it. Su Gui Fang, trembling, agreed to remain silent. The island residents, now aware of Wu Julan's true form, spread rumors and proposed banishing him. Zhou Buwen seized the opportunity to falsely accuse Wu Julan of killing their chickens, prompting the mayor to organize a protest against Shen Luo. Shen Luo, meanwhile, waited anxiously for Wu Julan's return.

Episode 26 Recap

Shen Luo was restless when she found Wu Julan right behind her. He was much weaker and soon fainted again. Shen Luo quickly called for Grandma Olivet, who revealed that Wu Julan had been poisoned by hidden needles in Shen Luo's wedding dress. Fortunately, the poison had receded, but Wu Julan's body was even weaker.

Wu Jingjing also noted that the drugs only offered temporary relief and Wu Julan's condition was worsening, warning that he would become too weak to function like a normal person if it continued. Wu Jingjing also expressed concern about An Zuo, noting no news from the Black Wizards since the New York incident and believing An Zuo was dead set on getting the spiritual pearl.

She promised Wu Julan to add more support, convinced An Zuo wouldn't give up easily and that something suspicious was at play. Despite Grandma Olivet's arrangement for Wu Julan to return to New York that night, he refused, fearing that if he left, the island residents' fear of his exposed identity would be directed at Shen Luo.

In a cherished memory of a happier time, Shen Luo playfully chided Wu Julan for running off without a word from the night market, causing her worry. He apologized sincerely, promising not to repeat the action. Shen Luo "forgave" him, teasingly allowing him to be her bodyguard for an upcoming fire-shooting performance. Later, as they settled in, Shen Luo jokingly asked if he thought she would secretly climb into his bed to take advantage of him.

She then declared her intention to "take advantage" of him, asserting it was her right as his girlfriend. Wu Julan simply told her to sleep, pulling her close, and Shen Luo noted his rapidly beating heart as they embraced. On another occasion, at a festive event on the island, Shen Luo and Wu Julan enjoyed the atmosphere, with Shen Luo ensuring Wu Julan wore a festive hat.

Wu Julan playfully accused Shen Luo of touching his butt, then promised to protect her from anyone who might try to take advantage of her, to which Shen Luo gladly accepted his protection. Zhu Yiyang confronted Zhou Buwen, blaming him for not keeping his promise. Feeling that Zhu Yiyang posed a serious threat to his life, Zhou Buwen decided to retaliate.

An Zuo then called Zhou Buwen, informing him that they had to officially start taking action today, pushing Zhou Buwen to get rid of Wu Julan, so Zhou Buwen could have Shen Luo. Around this time, Zhou Buyan found Zhou Buwen distracted and asked him if he was still working for An Zuo. Zhou Buwen tried to dismiss her, but she insisted on answers, questioning if An Zuo had forced him.

Zhou Buwen defiantly stated that no one forced him, and he acted willingly, confessing his motive: he wanted Wu Julan to die because Wu Julan had shamed him at a banquet in America. Zhou Buyan was shocked by his transformation, but Zhou Buwen claimed she never truly knew him. As Zhu Yiyang prepared to deliver a gift to Zhou Buyan, he was intercepted and assaulted by two men.

Zhu Yiyang suspected Zhou Buwen was behind it and, in the ensuing chaos, managed to hide a memory card inside the music box intended for Zhou Buyan before the assailants stole his phone. This entire incident was orchestrated by Zhou Buwen to neutralize Zhu Yiyang's threats. Before leaving, the attackers intentionally inflicted wounds on Zhu Yiyang that resembled merman claw marks, intending to frame Wu Julan.

The mayor and island residents then arrived at Shen Luo's house, demanding that she drive Wu Julan away, calling him a monster. Under pressure, Shen Luo admitted that Wu Julan was a merman. However, the residents remained adamant. Shen Luo patiently explained that Wu Julan would not harm anyone and recounted the many ways he had helped them, leading them to realize they had misunderstood him. Zhou Buwen watched, disappointed as the residents left empty-handed.

After the residents left, Shen Luo expressed her hope that Wu Julan would not resent them, as they were merely afraid. Wu Jingjing began investigating who framed Wu Julan, suspecting Zhou Buwen because only he and An Zuo knew about the mandrake grass that could reveal Wu Julan's merman form, and An Zuo had already left. Jiang Yisheng, however, found it hard to believe, thinking Zhou Buwen had reformed.

Later, Zhou Buwen feigned concern, accompanying Zhu Yiyang's mother to the hospital where Zhu Yiyang remained in a coma due to a severe head injury. Zhou Buwen seized this opportunity to falsely accuse Wu Julan of the assault. Zhu Yiyang's mother then approached the mayor, and Zhou Buwen further incited their anger, leading them to confront Wu Julan once more. Children began to bully Shen Luo, causing Wu Julan distress.

However, Shen Luo declared that she cared about nothing as long as she was with him. At that moment, Zhou Buwen led the enraged residents to Shen Luo's house. They refused to listen to her explanations and began assaulting her. Enraged, Wu Julan transformed into his merman form to protect Shen Luo. To prevent further misunderstandings from the villagers, Shen Luo quickly led Wu Julan away.

Wu Julan looked at Shen Luo with anguish, regretting her impulsive actions for him, as his body grew increasingly weak. Shen Luo wanted him to take her away from the island, far from the trouble, but Wu Julan refused, unwilling to make her homeless because of him. Shen Luo resolved to find another solution. Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing painstakingly found the people who injured Zhu Yiyang and learned the truth.

Jiang Yisheng confronted Zhou Buwen, who, seeing his plot exposed, tried to escape. Jiang Yisheng advised him to stop before it was too late. Zhou Buwen, in a fit of rage, explained that everything he did was out of love for Shen Luo. Jiang Yisheng accused Zhou Buwen of being unworthy of Shen Luo, and their argument escalated into a fight, ending their 26 years of friendship.

During the chaos, Wu Julan was seen chasing a black-clothed figure, with Shen Luo following him, frustrated by being left behind again. Wu Julan, along with Wu Jingjing and Jiang Yisheng, searched frantically for Shen Luo. Wu Julan deduced that she must be in An Zuo's hands. Zhou Buwen appeared, claiming he had come to lead them to Shen Luo.

Meanwhile, An Zuo had Shen Luo captive, where she tried to escape by threatening to jump, declaring that she wouldn't be used to kill Wu Julan. An Zuo calmly told her he wanted her, not to kill Wu Julan. Zhou Buwen led Wu Julan and the others to a location, but Shen Luo was not there, causing them to split up and search. During the search, Jiang Yisheng stepped on a landmine.

Wu Jingjing explained the dire situation: the bomb would detonaten if he moved, or automatically in one minute. Wu Julan quickly devised a plan, realizing there was a brief time lag between the pressure change and the explosion. He pushed Jiang Yisheng off the mine, taking his place, and then used his powers to distance himself before detonating it.

After the explosion, Jiang Yisheng lunged at Zhou Buwen, but Wu Jingjing restrained him, explaining that Zhou Buwen himself was nearly killed by the bomb, revealing An Zuo knew of Zhou Buwen's betrayal. Zhou Buwen, realizing An Zuo had indeed intended to kill him, revealed he had placed a tracking device on Shen Luo earlier and urged them to save her.

An Zuo had earlier learned from an accomplice that Shen Luo had been resurrected and that the spiritual pearl was in her body, promising his deceased father they would be reunited soon. Wu Julan had to make a sacrifice to save Shen Luo, which resulted in the spiritual pearl returning to him from Shen Luo's body. Shen Luo appeared to be dead or in a critical state following these events.

Wu Jingjing urged Jiang Yisheng to perform CPR on An Zuo, who was still alive after the attack. An Zuo woke up, disoriented, calling for his father. Wu Jingjing told him his father died long ago and could not be brought back to life, prompting a despairing cry from An Zuo. Wu Jingjing then spoke to Wu Julan, acknowledging that he now had the spiritual pearl again, and Shen Luo had returned to her normal state after drowning.

Wu Jingjing questioned Wu Julan, asking what use love would be if he died. Wu Julan responded that Shen Luo was more important than his life, and suffering loneliness without her would be more intolerable than death itself. Shen Luo later woke up, confused about her whereabouts, and gratefully thanked Wu Julan for being there. Jiang Yisheng expressed his annoyance at having to save An Zuo, who also woke up asking for his father.

Jiang Yisheng brutally told An Zuo that his father was dead and could not be revived. Wu Jingjing sent Jiang Yisheng away, leaving An Zuo to his despair. After the immediate crisis, Shen Luo told Wu Julan she was relieved the "black cloaked guy" (An Zuo) would no longer trouble him.

She playfully recounted her imagined scenario of Wu Julan, her powerful boyfriend, rescuing her from the intense fight and then asked how he intended to portray their romantic love scene. However, Wu Julan suddenly collapsed in her arms, intensifying her worry as his condition worsened. In a moment of quiet reflection, An Zuo reminisced about his childhood with his father, recalling their shared dreams and his father's words about the cycle of life.

Wu Jingjing tried to counsel him, urging him to let go of his attachments, telling him that his father wouldn't be happy with his actions and that true gain comes from disengagement. Zhu Yiyang's nurse delivered the music box to Zhou Buyan. Heartbroken upon hearing of Zhu Yiyang's injuries, Zhou Buyan discovered a memory card inside. Playing it, she was horrified to find a video revealing her brother's involvement in the death of Shen Luo's grandfather.

When Zhou Buwen returned home, Zhou Buyan confronted him, expressing her desire to leave with him and imploring him to stop his destructive path. Zhou Buwen finally dropped his facade, confessing that he had been manipulating her all along, using her to project an image of reform. His terrifying demeanor and deranged eyes left Zhou Buyan utterly horrified.

Soon after, Zhou Buyan was seen buying a ferry ticket, declaring her intention to leave the horrible place forever and stating her willingness to leave both Zhou Buwen and Shen Luo behind. Shen Luo, seeing her, expressed concern for Wu Julan's health. Later, Shen Luo confronted Zhou Buwen for his past wrongdoings, ready to retaliate. However, Jiang Yisheng and Wu Julan intervened, explaining that Zhou Buwen had actually helped save them by leading them to Shen Luo's location.

Zhou Buwen then sincerely apologized to everyone present, confessing that his jealousy and hatred for Wu Julan, driven by his love for Shen Luo, had led him to foolishly become An Zuo's accomplice, hurting Jiang Yisheng and nearly causing Shen Luo's death. He returned a childhood photograph of the three of them, stating he was no longer worthy to keep it. As Zhou Buwen prepared to leave, Jiang Yisheng offered him a tangerine, suggesting a potential path to reconciliation.

At night, Shen Luo and Wu Julan remained outside, not daring to return home. Shen Luo lay against Wu Julan’s chest, gazing at him with tender affection, while Wu Julan held her close, sharing her heartache. In that moment, with only the two of them, they wished time could simply stop.

Episode 27 Recap

Day broke, and Shen Luo woke up amidst the chirping birds and fragrant flowers. She snuggled tightly against Wu Julan's chest, not wanting to open her eyes, for fear that this moment of happiness would quietly slip away. The island residents discovered the two of them and immediately called Zhou Buwen. Zhou Buwen had a sleepless night. He was contemplating his next move against Wu Julan.

After receiving the call from the residents, he took out the potion left by An Zuo that could instantly enhance one's strength. He injected it into his body without hesitation, then came to challenge Wu Julan to a duel. By the time Wu Julan sensed someone approaching them, it was too late. Zhou Buwen and the residents had already surrounded him and Shen Luo. Zhou Buwen clamored that Wu Julan was the murderer and should be executed on the spot.

Shen Luo quickly shielded Wu Julan and explained to everyone. The residents, incited by Zhou Buwen, also shouted loudly, demanding to capture Wu Julan. At this moment, Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing brought over the real culprit. He admitted that Zhou Buwen had instigated him to attack Zhu Yiyang and also to mimic the claw marks of a merman. Zhou Buwen angrily grabbed the man's neck, continuing to frame Wu Julan.

Zhou Buyan arrived in time, producing a video of Zhou Buwen abandoning Shen Luo's grandfather to die. After watching it, Shen Luo was so enraged she wanted to hit Zhou Buwen. Everyone also began to denounce Zhou Buwen. Seeing his plot exposed, Zhou Buwen injured the surrounding residents, then took Shen Luo hostage amidst the chaos and fled. Only after saving the residents did Wu Julan realize Shen Luo was gone.

He pursued her all the way to an abandoned factory. Zhou Buwen knew he couldn't have Shen Luo, he only wanted to bring about a mutual destruction. He cornered Shen Luo to a dead end, and she was on the verge of falling. Wu Julan arrived in time. The deranged Zhou Buwen demanded Wu Julan dig out his heart in exchange for Shen Luo's freedom.

As Wu Julan had already pierced his chest and was about to continue, Shen Luo bit Zhou Buwen's hand hard. Zhou Buwen, in pain, let go. Just as Shen Luo was about to fall down the building, Wu Julan rushed over and grabbed Shen Luo, but Zhou Buwen stabbed him in the back. Wu Julan exerted all his strength to pull Shen Luo up, then fought Zhou Buwen. Having used the potion, Zhou Buwen possessed astonishing strength.

He lifted Wu Julan high and threw him violently, then pulled out a dagger to stab Wu Julan. Shen Luo picked up a brick and hit Zhou Buwen. Wu Julan seized the opportunity to knock Zhou Buwen down. At this moment, Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing arrived with the police, bringing Zhou Buwen to justice. As he was taken away, Zhou Buwen still desperately shouted for Shen Luo to accept his feelings.

He also claimed that the spiritual pearl was inside Shen Luo, and only one of them could survive. Wu Jingjing told Shen Luo everything, exactly as it happened. Wu Julan's spiritual pearl had been stolen by his good friend Du Xiaolin. He came to the island and changed his name to Shen Lin, who was Shen Luo's ancestor. Shen Luo wanted to return the spiritual pearl to Wu Julan.

Wu Jingjing told her that she would die without the spiritual pearl. Wu Julan was severely injured, and his condition was very poor. Shen Luo cried and scolded Wu Julan for being foolish. She understood why Wu Julan had rejected her repeatedly. It turned out he didn't want to take Shen Luo's spiritual pearl; he had given his own life to Shen Luo. Shen Luo was overwhelmed with emotions and cried profusely while holding Wu Julan.

As soon as Zhu Yiyang woke up, he started looking everywhere for the music box. At this moment, Zhou Buyan came to see him, bringing the music box. Zhou Buyan complained that Zhu Yiyang had been beaten to a pulp like a pig's head for her music box, yet still wouldn't let go of it. She decided to accept this gift, and told Zhu Yiyang the news of Zhou Buwen's arrest, instructing Zhu Yiyang to recuperate peacefully.

Jiang Yisheng fell into deep self-reproach over Zhou Buwen's matter. He regretted not having properly advised Zhou Buwen. Wu Jingjing told him that Zhou Buwen had gone mad in prison, which was caused by the injected potion, and comforted Jiang Yisheng, saying that everyone's inner demons could only be defeated by themselves. Wu Julan decided to arrange his affairs clearly before his death. He wanted to transfer all his assets to Shen Luo.

Grandma brought him a will for the property transfer for him to sign and seal. Wu Julan hoped Grandma could help Shen Luo in the future. Shen Luo, hearing this from outside, felt a mix of emotions. She secretly resolved to return the spiritual pearl to Wu Julan. That evening, Shen Luo asked Wu Julan to go for a walk with her. The two of them went to a small grove.

Shen Luo took out a coin and proposed a bet with Wu Julan. Whoever lost would have to grant the other a wish. Shen Luo won, and she requested to see the fireflies from that day again. The night was quiet, with only occasional chirps of crickets. Only countless fireflies in the sky emitted a faint green light, glittering brightly. Shen Luo was very happy. Wu Julan kissed Shen Luo's forehead.

Shen Luo seized the opportunity to ask Wu Julan to close his eyes. Just as she was about to kiss Wu Julan, hoping to return the spiritual pearl to him through a kiss of true love, Wu Julan dodged in time, having guessed Shen Luo's good intentions. Wu Julan stated that he had lived for over a thousand years, experienced too much birth, aging, sickness, and death, and would have no regrets even if he departed.

He could give up everything for Shen Luo, as long as she lived well. Upon hearing this, Shen Luo was both touched and saddened. She hugged Wu Julan tightly, expressing her desire to share half of her life with him so they could live together. Wu Julan was deeply moved, and he decided to marry Shen Luo. The next day, Shen Luo and Wu Julan's wedding was held again. The island residents, invited by Wu Julan, also rushed to attend.

As the wedding music began, Shen Luo appeared before everyone like a beautiful angel. Blushingly, she walked towards her groom, holding a bouquet. Behind her were four children, scattering petals as they walked. Wu Julan watched Shen Luo slowly walk towards him, and all his memories with Shen Luo flashed through his mind. Grandma officiated their wedding. Wu Julan and Shen Luo both wholeheartedly answered 'I do' to their wedding vows.

Finally, they placed seashell rings, unique to them, on each other's fingers. Everyone cheered together, blessing their hard-won happiness. Wu Julan kissed Shen Luo's forehead. Zhu Yiyang seized the opportunity to hold Zhou Buyan's hand. Zhou Buyan showed a shy, happy smile. Jiang Yisheng also planned to propose to Wu Jingjing. That evening, Wu Julan and Shen Luo snuggled by the sea. They talked about Wu Julan drinking with Li Bai.

Shen Luo regretted not being born earlier so she could have met Wu Julan sooner. Shen Luo asked Wu Julan to transform into a merman for her to see. Saying this, she jumped into the sea. Immediately after, Wu Julan also transformed into a merman and swam alongside Shen Luo. Small fish swam around them, cheering for them and blessing them. Shen Luo grew tired and fell asleep leaning on Wu Julan.

Wu Julan took off the jade pendant from his neck and placed it on Shen Luo. The jade pendant shone brightly. Wu Julan knew deep down that this was destiny's arrangement, and Shen Luo was the person he had been waiting for. The next day, Shen Luo happily held the jade pendant on her neck and asked Wu Julan why he gave his precious item to her.

Wu Julan replied that it was returning to its rightful owner, and stated that Shen Luo was his wife, and his entire being belonged to Shen Luo. After speaking, Wu Julan began to feel unwell again.

Episode 28 Recap

Wu Julan felt uncomfortable again, and Shen Luo quickly called her grandma. Grandma brought Wu Julan back. She prepared a large water tank for Wu Julan and added precious medicinal herbs to the water, which could alleviate his condition. As soon as Wu Julan entered, Grandma tied him up. Seeing this, Wu Jingjing was especially surprised.

Grandma knew very well that Wu Julan wouldn't retrieve the spiritual pearl from Shen Luo, so she had to personally step in to help Wu Julan get it. Wu Jingjing persuaded Grandma to respect Wu Julan, saying that no matter what decision Wu Julan made, they should comply. However, Grandma felt that Wu Julan had been blinded by love. Grandma knelt before Wu Jingjing, begging her to save the Nuwu family.

Her family had protected mermen for generations, and if Wu Julan died, the family's honor would cease to exist. Wu Jingjing tearfully begged Grandma to be loyal to Wu Julan's soul. Grandma took the opportunity to knock Wu Jingjing unconscious and tied her up. Zhu Yiyang was about to be discharged from the hospital. He had been waiting for Zhou Buyan to pick him up, but she never came.

Zhu Yiyang called Zhou Buyan and only then learned that she was planning to leave the island. Zhu Yiyang limped quickly to the pier to stop Zhou Buyan. Zhou Buyan felt that matters of the heart couldn't be forced. In fact, in Zhou Buyan's heart, Zhu Yiyang was just an ordinary friend. Zhu Yiyang watched Zhou Buyan walk away, feeling unwilling and shouting in desperation. Grandma rushed to find Shen Luo.

She told Shen Luo that Wu Julan was in trouble and was currently at Wu Jingjing's house. Without a word, Shen Luo immediately rushed over. Just as Shen Luo was anxiously searching everywhere for Wu Julan, Grandma took the opportunity to drug Shen Luo and tied her up. Grandma was preparing to use the Black Demon Knife to retrieve the spiritual pearl from Shen Luo's body. Shen Luo expressed her willingness to return the spiritual pearl to Wu Julan.

Shen Luo proposed wanting to see Wu Julan one last time and say goodbye to him, but Grandma did not agree to Shen Luo's request. Just as Grandma was about to stab Shen Luo, Wu Julan, like a madman, crashed through the water tank and rushed over. Wu Jingjing cut her ropes with a broken cup and also ran over. Wu Julan snatched the Black Demon Knife from Grandma's hand and destroyed it. Wu Julan hugged Shen Luo tightly.

Grandma cried in desperation, and Wu Jingjing was deeply moved. Wu Julan declared that he would rather give up his own life to keep Shen Luo alive. He said that love and life are the same, with both flowers and thorns, but no matter what, they are willing to face it together. Wu Jingjing apologized for disobeying Grandma's wishes. Grandma was very sad and regretful, having lost the only chance to save Wu Julan.

Wu Jingjing understood Wu Julan's feelings; she believed that love is the greatest emotion in the world, capable of transcending everything. Physical life, in the face of love, is like a drop in the ocean, completely insignificant. Grandma knew very well that her actions could not be forgiven by Wu Julan. She knelt down and voluntarily requested to accept the family's judgment.

Wu Julan knew that everything she did was for him, but he believed that the meaning of life was to protect the people he loved, and that love was more important than life. Wu Julan had only one day left to live, and the Nuwu family had also served him for over 150 years. He told Grandma that from now on, she didn't need to follow his commands and should live out her golden years peacefully.

Finally, he bid Grandma an eternal farewell and left without looking back. Grandma didn't have the courage to watch Wu Julan leave. She asked Wu Jingjing to stay by Wu Julan's side, and then she returned to New York. Zhu Yiyang cried desperately because of his heartbreak. Jiang Yisheng gave Zhu Yiyang an idea: first, he should completely transform himself, and also send text messages to Zhou Buyan constantly. This steady effort would surely touch Zhou Buyan.

Indeed, under Zhu Yiyang's persistent pursuit, Zhou Buyan finally took the initiative to invite him to an art exhibition, and Zhu Yiyang was extremely happy. Wu Jingjing was officially transferred to work at the island hospital. Jiang Yisheng joyfully picked up Wu Jingjing and was reluctant to put her down for a long time. Zhu Yiyang thanked Jiang Yisheng. Jiang Yisheng asked Zhu Yiyang to help him stage an act to trick Wu Jingjing, pretending he had lovesickness.

Zhu Yiyang's poor acting couldn't fool Wu Jingjing, and he was quickly exposed. In fact, Jiang Yisheng wanted to seize the opportunity to propose to Wu Jingjing, and unexpectedly, Wu Jingjing readily agreed. Colleagues came over to congratulate them, and Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing hugged and kissed. Shen Luo knew that Wu Julan had only one day left. She decided to face it happily. Shen Luo searched everywhere for Wu Julan at home but couldn't find him, thinking he had vanished. Shen Luo was extremely anxious.

Episode 29 Recap

Before meeting Shen Luo, Wu Julan thought he would leave the world with regret, but heaven allowed Wu Julan to meet Shen Luo, which made him feel how wonderful life is. Even if he gave everything for Shen Luo, he felt it was worth it. Wu Julan spent his entire life waiting for this encounter.

Acquaintance: Wu Julan came to the hiding place of the spiritual pearl according to the instructions of his grandmother Violet, which was the home of Shen Luo, a descendant of Du Xiaolin. In order to retrieve the spiritual pearl, Wu Julan insisted on living in Shen Luo's home. Shen Luo was forced to let him stay and asked Wu Julan to be a helper in her home.

Shen Luo first gave Wu Julan, who seemed like an antique, a reborn change. When Wu Julan cut his long hair and put on the new clothes Shen Luo bought, Shen Luo was stunned. She didn't expect Wu Julan to be such a handsome man. After that, Wu Julan began living with Shen Luo. Shen Luo asked Wu Julan why he came to the island.

Wu Julan only told Shen Luo that he was looking for someone who owed him something. At this time, Wu Julan did not completely trust Shen Luo. Later, when Shen Luo's grandfather passed away, they went to the beach together to light candles and release Kongming lanterns to express their condolences. Wu Julan drank poisonous wine and suspected that Shen Luo had harmed him, so he left Shen Luo alone on the island.

Shen Luo was very helpless for a while, crying and begging Wu Julan to save her. Wu Julan finally couldn't bear it and carried Shen Luo ashore. Understanding: On the night of the birthday party that Shen Luo carefully prepared for Wu Julan, Wu Julan pulled Shen Luo to a small forest. He summoned fireflies all over the sky. Shen Luo was very happy. When they left, they were attacked by people sent by An Zuo.

Shen Luo and Wu Julan fought hard. Shen Luo drove away those people, but Wu Julan fainted due to exhaustion. After Shen Luo's careful care, Wu Julan's body finally recovered. He dispelled his suspicion of Shen Luo and apologized to Shen Luo. The two got along more and more harmoniously and began to make shell handicrafts for a living. When they were picking up shells on the beach together, Shen Luo was attacked by An Zuo.

An Zuo forced her to hand over the spiritual pearl. Shen Luo accidentally fell into the sea. Wu Julan came to rescue her upon hearing the sound and saw Shen Luo's body glowing in the sea. He discovered that the spiritual pearl was in Shen Luo's body. Violet told him that he could only get the spiritual pearl by obtaining Shen Luo's true love kiss.

Love: Shen Luo didn't believe in love because of her parents and rejected Wu Julan's feelings, even avoiding him all the time. Once, Shen Luo was kidnapped by Zhou Buyan in a seaside cabin. When she was about to be drowned by the sea, Wu Julan appeared in time and rescued Shen Luo. Shen Luo opened her heart to Wu Julan and fell deeply in love with Wu Julan.

At the same time, Wu Julan discovered that Shen Luo drowned that year and the spiritual pearl brought her back to life. Wu Julan decided to give up the spiritual pearl, so he avoided being intimate with Shen Luo. Shen Luo used various methods to pursue Wu Julan, but was repeatedly frustrated. Wu Julan had no choice but to show his merman form in an attempt to scare Shen Luo away. However, Shen Luo quickly accepted this reality.

During Wu Julan's injury, Shen Luo took care of him carefully and told him her feelings. Wu Julan was deeply moved and accepted Shen Luo in his heart. Finally, Wu Julan took out three paintings for Shen Luo, so that Shen Luo could understand the difference between them, but Shen Luo could accept the fact that she would grow old many years later, while Wu Julan was still young and handsome.

Wu Julan decided to follow his heart, accept Shen Luo, and finally be with Shen Luo. Unexpectedly, An Zuo learned that the spiritual pearl was in Shen Luo's body. He used a trick to lure Wu Julan away, and Zhou Buwen took the opportunity to trick Shen Luo away. An Zuo used the Black Magic Knife to take Shen Luo's spiritual pearl in order to resurrect his adoptive father.

Episode 30 Recap

After Wu Julan and his companions located Shen Luo using the tracker Zhou Buwen had placed on her, Wu Julan unleashed his extraordinary powers to capsize An Zuo's small boat. He successfully retrieved the spiritual pearl and rescued Shen Luo. Wu Julan then made the profound decision to sacrifice his own life force, returning the spiritual pearl to Shen Luo's body. As a consequence, Wu Julan became increasingly frail, requiring medication to sustain his life.

Meanwhile, Zhu Yiyang was found gravely injured and in a coma. His distraught mother pleaded with Zhou Buwen to seek justice for her son. Zhou Buwen, who had orchestrated Zhu Yiyang's injury to frame Wu Julan, assured her he would. A nurse later delivered a necklace with "Zhou" engraved on it, found tightly clutched by Zhu Yiyang, to Shen Luo, implying her connection to the incident.

Mrs. Zhu then incited the villagers, falsely accusing Wu Julan of being a monstrous killer responsible for Zhu Yiyang's state. The furious crowd demanded Wu Julan's death, fearing he would harm them all, despite the Village Chief's attempts to calm them. Shen Luo found Wu Julan distressed by the accusations. He expressed sorrow for the suffering she endured because of him, questioning why she would risk herself to protect him when it only endangered her further.

Shen Luo vehemently asserted that witnessing his pain was far worse than her own, vowing to always stand by him. She proposed they leave the island for a place where no one knew them. Wu Julan, however, gently refused, explaining that his remaining days were few, and he did not wish for her to become estranged from her home on his account. He maintained that a solution would eventually arise.

Simultaneously, Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing worked to gather evidence to clear Wu Julan's name, but their efforts were met with widespread reluctance from islanders who had turned against Wu Julan. Jiang Yisheng, having uncovered some intriguing information, later confronted Zhou Buwen. He accused Zhou Buwen of harming Shen Luo and Wu Julan. Zhou Buwen vehemently denied the allegations, claiming he was helping Shen Luo and that Wu Julan was the true monster.

Jiang Yisheng countered, reminding Zhou Buwen of their twenty-six years of friendship and accusing him of deceiving a friend, hurting people, and shifting blame. He declared Zhou Buwen the "real monster" and told him that even without Wu Julan, Shen Luo would never reciprocate his feelings because he was unworthy. Separately, An Zuo's sister, Buyan, expressed a desire to leave the island.

An Zuo, whom she addressed as "Big Brother," revealed his manipulative strategies, admitting he had lied to her to maintain a facade of goodness to gain the trust of Wu Julan and Shen Luo, and that Shen Luo was the only one he truly loved. Shen Luo received a frantic phone call from Jiang Yisheng, warning her that Zhou Buwen was leading the villagers to find Wu Julan, falsely accusing him of injuring Zhu Yiyang.

The angry mob quickly located Wu Julan and Shen Luo. Shen Luo implored Wu Julan not to retaliate, fearing it would confirm the villagers' prejudiced views. Zhou Buwen, however, ordered the mob to attack Wu Julan. In a swift move, Wu Julan conjured a localized storm, allowing him and Shen Luo to escape. The mob pursued them, finding them once more. Wu Julan urged Shen Luo to flee, but she steadfastly refused to abandon him.

As the crowd closed in, Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing arrived. Jiang Yisheng presented irrefutable evidence: a video recovered from Zhu Yiyang's phone, showing Shen Luo's dying grandfather. In the video, Zhou Buwen was seen confessing his love for Shen Luo to her grandfather, promising to care for her, while cruelly withholding essential medication. The villagers were stunned, realizing Zhou Buwen had attacked Zhu Yiyang to conceal this damning evidence.

Shen Luo, enraged, denounced Zhou Buwen as a "bastard" and vowed never to forgive him. In a desperate act, Zhou Buwen seized Shen Luo and dragged her to the edge of a cliff, threatening to throw her down unless Wu Julan tore out his own heart. Despite his weakening condition, Wu Julan refused, declaring he would never let go of Shen Luo. He managed to create a momentary distraction, allowing Shen Luo to break free from Zhou Buwen's grasp.

In the ensuing chaos, Zhou Buwen lost his footing and plunged into the sea below. Shen Luo confronted Zhou Buwen, expressing her profound disgust for his selfish and destructive actions that had ruined their childhood friendship. Zhou Buwen, still consumed by his twisted affection, revealed that Wu Julan's spiritual pearl resided within Shen Luo's body, implying that only one of them could survive, and that his actions, in his deluded mind, were for her own protection.

Wu Jingjing later confirmed to Shen Luo the full history of the spiritual pearl. She explained that Wu Julan's trusted human friend, Du Xiaolin, who was Shen Luo's ancestor, had betrayed him over a century and a half ago, stealing his precious spiritual pearl. Shen Luo realized that Wu Julan had been searching for her all along, not out of revenge, but due to their deep-rooted connection through the pearl.

Wu Jingjing revealed that Shen Luo had drowned as a child, and her life had been sustained ever since by Wu Julan's spiritual pearl. Wu Julan had known this truth and had selflessly chosen to forfeit his own life rather than reclaim the pearl from her. Deeply moved and heartbroken by this profound sacrifice, Shen Luo wept. Upon learning of Wu Julan's rapidly dwindling lifespan, she resolved to propose to him and spend his final days together.

However, her grandmother, unwilling for Wu Julan to sacrifice his life, tied him up, intending to retrieve the spiritual pearl from Shen Luo. Wu Julan, with immense effort, broke free and rescued Shen Luo. Shen Luo, now fully aware that she too would die without the spiritual pearl, decided to return it to Wu Julan, but he steadfastly refused, reassuring her that he would eventually recover.

Despite Wu Julan's rapidly declining health, he meticulously arranged a honeymoon trip for himself and Shen Luo. Touched by his gesture, Shen Luo wished for them to spend their final day together as a normal couple. They went to the market to sell their handcrafted shell items, where they were congratulated by the Village Chief on their "marriage," who playfully urged them to have a baby. Wu Julan, with a heavy heart, quickly moved on.

At the market, he generously gave all their shell crafts to delighted children, and he and Shen Luo joyfully played with them. Upon returning home, Wu Julan prepared a sumptuous meal for Shen Luo, considering it the most blissful and precious act he could perform for her. Shen Luo ate heartily, and Wu Julan, filled with both sorrow and love, tenderly wiped a grain of rice from her lips before they shared a heartfelt embrace.

Later, Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing arrived, with Jiang Yisheng excitedly announcing that Wu Jingjing had accepted his marriage proposal. Shen Luo took Wu Jingjing aside to share Wu Julan's honeymoon plans. Wu Jingjing, feigning lightheartedness, commented on Wu Julan's romantic side, though her smile concealed deep concern for Shen Luo's future without him. Jiang Yisheng, also heartbroken for Shen Luo, openly lamented Wu Julan's decision to go on a "honeymoon," causing Wu Jingjing to break down in tears.

Wu Julan had prepared a beautiful heart-shaped archway on the beach as a gateway to their final journey. Holding Shen Luo's hand tightly, he led her through it, walking towards the vast ocean, the place of his birth and upbringing, bathed in the glow of the setting sun. They boarded a small boat and ventured into the deep sea under the rising moon.

As they gazed at the star-studded sky, with the brilliant Milky Way arcing above, Shen Luo reached out a hand as if to touch a distant star. Wu Julan extended his hand to meet hers, their fingers intertwining. They poured two cups of wine, silently toasting the bright moon and the myriad stars, each expressing their profound reluctance to part, before drinking the wine in unison. Suddenly, Wu Julan was overwhelmed by intense discomfort.

Unbeknownst to him, Shen Luo had secretly obtained Zhou Buwen's mandrake poison from Wu Jingjing and added it to Wu Julan's wine. Her intention was to return the spiritual pearl to him through a kiss of true love. Wu Julan, struggling, resisted her and plunged into the sea. Shen Luo immediately followed, quickly catching up to him. She cupped his face and kissed him deeply.

The spiritual pearl within her emitted a soft, blue glow, and Wu Julan's tears transformed into luminous pearls. Shen Luo, holding these precious pearls, vanished with Wu Julan into the boundless expanse of the ocean. The End.