The Sweetest Secret Episode 21 Recap
> The Sweetest Secret Recap
For three months, Jin Zichuan had taken Li Xiang to every restaurant in the city, which led to Li Xiang gaining eight kilos. She asked if they could engage in any activities other than eating. Jin Zichuan suggested swimming, going to the gym, or playing golf. Li Xiang, feeling she could afford to gain another two kilos, opted to continue dining out.
Meanwhile, a teacher summoned Tang Weiwei and informed her that the opportunity to feature her desserts at the school banquet had been secured by Lin Ran, who spent several sleepless nights painting three exhibition pieces. The teacher emphasized that this was an excellent publicity opportunity for Tang Weiwei's dessert shop, urging her to seize it. While acknowledging Lin Ran’s remarkable talent, the teacher expressed frustration over Lin Ran's indifferent attitude and lack of future planning.
He advised Tang Weiwei, as his guardian, to encourage him to think seriously about his career as graduation approached. Later, Tang Weiwei encountered Ji Han at school. Ji Han learned that Tang Weiwei hadn't been in contact with Lin Ran and revealed that after Lin Ran went abroad, he fell severely ill due to the change in environment and had to admit himself to the hospital. His parents were unavailable, so he handled his own admission paperwork.
Ji Han expressed her confusion over Lin Ran's insistence on eating sweets despite his condition, as she believed abstaining from sugar had little impact on daily life. Tang Weiwei surmised that perhaps Lin Ran's life had been too difficult, prompting him to seek a taste of sweetness. Ji Han felt Lin Ran, a kind soul, didn't deserve to suffer. She recounted how they first met when Lin Ran saved her younger sister from choking, preventing a serious incident.
Ji Han also clarified that Lin Ran accepted a thank-you candy, despite his inability to eat it, to spare her embarrassment. She explained that on the day he rushed her to find her missing sister, he had borrowed Cola's motorcycle, not his own. Ji Han added that the name "Tang Weiwei" acted like a curse on Lin Ran, making him hesitant and cautious. Upon hearing this, Tang Weiwei interrupted Ji Han, who was about to continue, and quickly left.
Back at the dessert shop, Li Xiang was leading a magazine photoshoot. Surrounded by couples, Tang Weiwei felt a pang of sadness. Ji Han frequently visited the shop, attempting to help Tang Weiwei resolve her emotional struggles. Ji Han confessed her own long-standing affection for Lin Ran but acknowledged that his heart was solely set on Tang Weiwei.
She also expressed understanding of Tang Weiwei’s hesitation in the relationship, attributing it to Lin Ran's youth and the potential for societal criticism, and implored Tang Weiwei to trust Lin Ran's sincerity. However, despite her inner longing for Lin Ran, Tang Weiwei stubbornly claimed their relationship was a thing of the past. Overwhelmed by the sweet atmosphere of the shop, Tang Weiwei decided to leave.
Just as she stepped outside, she unexpectedly encountered Lin Ran, who had just disembarked from a plane. Lin Ran, unable to let go of his feelings, had returned for her. Tang Weiwei was unsure how to face him. Understanding her hesitation, Lin Ran sincerely apologized for being self-absorbed and not considering her perspective earlier. He confessed his long-standing affection for her and pleaded with her not to push him away again.
Tang Weiwei questioned his youth and the practicalities of their future, suggesting their relationship was unequal and that he had better choices. Lin Ran passionately refuted her concerns, promising to provide security and protection. They reconciled, sharing a kiss on a pedestrian bridge. After their reconciliation, Lin Ran met Ji Han. He thanked her for her analysis and for "acting" with him while he was abroad, which gave him the courage to return.
Ji Han gave Lin Ran a gift and wished him happiness with the person he loved, acknowledging her own feelings were resolved. Later, Lin Ran signed a contract related to his art with his teacher, who praised his growth and fulfilling potential, a marked improvement from his previous 'indifferent attitude'. At his dorm, his roommate had cleaned his room and reminded him of their shared past, mentioning Lin Ran's European internship contract.
Lin Ran felt that many things had changed since his return, yet paradoxically, nothing had. He expressed disappointment that Tang Weiwei was not as clingy as before. Tang Weiwei explained that as a woman nearing thirty, she was more focused on practical life and reality, with little time or energy for emotional volatility, even her own. When Lin Ran realized Tang Weiwei desired a sense of security, he immediately signed a contract with Gu Zhen to redevelop the circuit.
During a meeting, Lin Ran expressed his dissatisfaction with the planning company's proposal. He bluntly stated that the primary goal should be profit, not just aesthetics or diverse, lower-end activities. This pragmatic approach, combined with his specific criticisms about the project’s high-end positioning, greatly changed Gu Zhen’s perception of Lin Ran. Lin Ran also corrected Gu Zhen, stating, "It's "our" circuit," emphasizing their shared endeavor.
Gu Zhen, aware of Jin Zichuan's prolonged pursuit of Li Xiang, began to worry for him. He playfully referenced a TV drama where the male lead was too timid, implicitly criticizing Jin Zichuan for only inviting Li Xiang for meals despite pursuing her for three months. Taking Gu Zhen's words to heart, Jin Zichuan decided to be bolder and more direct. Seizing an an opportunity during a lift malfunction, he embraced a startled Li Xiang.
Once she regained her composure, Li Xiang urged Jin Zichuan to release her. Gathering his courage, Jin Zichuan declared his feelings and pressed for her answer, asking if she would accept him if they got out alive. Li Xiang promised to be with him if they got out. As if on cue, the lift immediately resumed operation, much to Jin Zichuan's delight.
Later, Lin Ran called Tang Weiwei, asking her to meet him tomorrow with her household registration, teasing her with the promise of a surprise. Tang Weiwei readily agreed, mentioning she would bring the cake she was making for him.
