The Starry Night, The Starry Sea Episode 19 Recap
> The Starry Night, The Starry Sea 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.
