Love Together (Trial Marriage) Episode 20 Recap
> Love Together (Trial Marriage) Recap
A psychologist consulted by Ye Chengshu suggested a treatment plan for Mu Qiuhui, emphasizing the need to approach her recovery through familiar people and events to encourage her to leave Yushan Street and overcome her psychological barriers. Initially, Zhao Guobang vehemently opposed Ye Chengshu's involvement, concerned about further traumatizing Mu Qiuhui. He dismissed Ye Chengshu, instructing him to refer to Mu Qiuhui as "auntie" instead of "mom."
Ye Chengshu explained that for patients like Mu Qiuhui, rebuilding trust in the outside world and gradually recovering memories was the most effective therapy. Despite Gu Lingse's attempts to advocate for Ye Chengshu, expressing worry about her mother's escalating anxiety symptoms, Zhao Guobang remained firm, ordering Ye Chengshu to leave.
However, upon learning that the psychologist specifically recommended the "Brother Zhao" identity (which Mu Qiuhui had mistakenly attributed to Ye Chengshu) as a key to rebuilding Mu Qiuhui's confidence, Zhao Guobang softened. Gu Lingse called him to reiterate the psychologist's advice, and Zhao Guobang eventually agreed to let Ye Chengshu stay.
Ye Chengshu, ecstatic at the news, shared with Gu Lingse his architectural vision for Yushan Street, aiming for protective development and renovation rather than demolition, promising to ensure every resident received a better home. Gu Lingse, knowing her mother could not leave the street, pledged to help him persuade the residents.
Meanwhile, Mu Qiuhui's beloved novel was re-released, and Bei Chen, after queuing all night, not only purchased a copy but also received a coveted ticket to the author's signing session. Ye Chengshu saw this as an opportunity and, along with Gu Lingse and Zhao Guobang, encouraged Mu Qiuhui to attend, describing the exciting prospect of meeting the author. Mu Qiuhui initially agreed, excited about choosing an outfit.
However, she was later plagued by a vivid nightmare, waking in terror, convinced that "monsters" were pursuing her. Gu Lingse comforted her, reassuring her it was just a dream, while Mu Qiuhui expressed sorrow that she, who once aimed to protect Gu Lingse, now needed protection herself. Realizing Mu Qiuhui's fear was too profound to overcome, Gu Lingse, Ye Chengshu, and Bei Chen decided to attend the signing session on her behalf to buy souvenirs for her.
Concurrently, Jiang Han, driven by a desire to assert his dominance, secretly pressed forward with his "Floating Island Project" in Mulin Town. Despite reports from his subordinates about workers experiencing gum swelling, bleeding, and nausea due to strong magnetic fields, Jiang Han refused to halt operations, merely instructing them to provide more protection and seek medical assistance.
He also tasked his subordinate, Su Nian (revealed to be Gu Peiya, now known as Director Su), with securing the demolition of Yushan Street. Su Nian reported that she had offered ten times the standard compensation to the local sub-district office director, Meng Xiangqian, who readily agreed to persuade the residents. Jiang Han, still intent on outmaneuvering Ye Chengshu, instructed Su Nian to proceed with bidding for the Yushan Street project.
Gu Lingse and Ye Chengshu, discussing the generous compensation offer, were concerned about Jiang Han's plan. Gu Lingse reiterated her commitment to her mother's well-being and thus the preservation of Yushan Street, prompting Ye Chengshu to reaffirm his promise that the street would not be demolished. In another development, Gu Peiya was harassed by a man named Liu Yuan from Tengda Real Estate and his female companion at a street crossing.
Jiang Han arrived, intervening and physically assaulting Liu Yuan and his bodyguard. Liu Yuan, recognizing Jiang Han, hastily apologized and attempted to invite him and Gu Peiya to dinner, mentioning his company's upcoming second round of financing. Jiang Han coldly dismissed him, asserting his protective role over Gu Peiya, stating that her father had entrusted her to his care. Gu Peiya questioned if his protection stemmed solely from this duty.
Jiang Han, however, claimed to genuinely feel pain when she was hurt and vowed never to abandon her, embracing her as she expressed her dependence on him. Meanwhile, Quan Zimo's relationship with Ming Rixin fractured further. Fu Kesi, observing Quan Zimo's actions, speculated about his affection for Ming Rixin, noting his calm demeanor regarding Gu Lingse's name being discussed in public.
Ming Rixin confronted Quan Zimo about his decision to expose Li Er (the rich second-generation who had previously shown interest in her), accusing him of acting solely out of concern for Gu Lingse. Quan Zimo conceded he acted for both her and Gu Lingse. Ming Rixin, feeling that Quan Zimo was unable to fully commit to her, asked him one last time if he wanted her to stay in China with him.
When he gave an ambiguous response, she abruptly ended the conversation. Later, Quan Zimo intercepted Ming Rixin in a hallway to try and reconcile. Their conversation was interrupted by an enraged Li Er, who confronted Quan Zimo and struck him. Ming Rixin, trying to shield Quan Zimo, was accidentally hit and knocked unconscious.
Afterward at the hospital, despite Quan Zimo's insistence that she remain for further observation, Ming Rixin confirmed to her father over the phone that she had carefully considered her options and decided to pursue the opportunities presented by the family's overseas business, implicitly severing her ties with Quan Zimo.
At the signing session, Gu Lingse and Ye Chengshu were with Bei Chen, who was recognized by fans as "that handsome guy" from a previous TV appearance and was trying to avoid being brought on stage. There, they unexpectedly encountered Fu Kesi. Unwilling to attract attention, Gu Lingse immediately grabbed Ye Chengshu's hand and hurried away. Ye Chengshu drove Gu Lingse to a secluded beach, their "secret base" from their first date.
Gu Lingse reflected on how long it had taken them to return. Ye Chengshu confessed to having searched for her for six months after her disappearance, always returning to this spot, unaware she was living so close by. He apologized for his past actions.
Gu Lingse, however, countered that she was the one who should apologize, revealing that after he left the hospital six months prior, her mother had gone missing and was eventually found in Yushan Street in a severely distressed mental state, suffering from daily nightmares and requiring medication to sleep. Gu Lingse explained she felt she couldn't leave her mother in such a vulnerable state. Ye Chengshu gently reassured her that everything would eventually get better.
Gu Lingse then questioned why he hadn't told her about his search, to which he admitted being torn, simultaneously fearing she would stay in Yushan Street and fearing she wouldn't. Gu Lingse noted his tendency to shoulder burdens alone, echoing his handling of her father's past issues, and apologized for not being there for him during his difficult times. Ye Chengshu, in turn, reiterated that he was the one who should apologize. As they embraced, Gu Lingse expressed a profound sense of security in his presence, a feeling Ye Chengshu reciprocated.
