The Starry Night, The Starry Sea Episode 15 Recap
> The Starry Night, The Starry Sea 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.
