Unusual Idol Love Episode 16 Recap
> Unusual Idol Love Recap
The filming of their project wrapped up, and Ji Nian politely declined the director's invitation to a celebratory dinner, stating she had other plans. Watching her leave, Hu Li was deeply confused by her sudden change of heart. He wondered why Ji Nian, who had known he was an artificial intelligence for a while and had even protected him, was now choosing to depart.
Bai Dongchen suggested that Ji Nian simply regretted their relationship, asserting that they were fundamentally incompatible, regardless of Hu Li being an AI or a celebrity, because Ji Nian desired an ordinary life that Hu Li couldn't provide. Bai Dongchen implied that Hu Li no longer needed Ji Nian's protection, but Hu Li countered that he was now capable of protecting her, a notion Bai Dongchen dismissed as not what Ji Nian truly wanted.
Ji Nian attended an "International Conference on Theory and Practice in Journalism" where Zhao Lin was speaking. After his presentation, Zhao Lin informed Ji Nian that the arrangements for her overseas study were complete, including a tuition-free scholarship, and directed her to the lounge to fill out the necessary forms. Shortly after, Song Mengmeng appeared with Zhuo Yuan, mentioning that Zhuo Yuan was present to interview Hu Li.
Song Mengmeng then made a pointed comment about Ji Nian's popularity with male students in college, hinting at Zhao Lin's past affections for her. Meanwhile, in an adjacent building, Hu Li's press conference for his new drama was underway. During the Q&A, Zhou Yifei described her character's male lead as "domineering but loving, like a superhero," and stated that this was "very similar to Hu Li."
A reporter then asked if Hu Li was a superhero in Zhou Yifei's heart and inquired about rumors of them falling in love due to the show. Hu Li intervened, cutting the question short and stating they would only answer questions related to the drama. After the press conference, Bai Dongchen confronted Zhuo Yuan, criticizing his interviewing skills but acknowledging his talent for gossip, and subtly warned him about a compromising "bar photo."
While Ji Nian was in the lounge to fill out her overseas study forms, Song Mengmeng seized the opportunity to lock her in a restroom, taking a photo of an online article titled "Hu Li's non-celebrity girlfriend secretly seeing another man" and gloating about Ji Nian's impending trouble. Meanwhile, Hu Li later pulled Zhou Yifei aside, unhappy with her veiled suggestions during the press conference.
Zhou Yifei retorted that since he and Ji Nian had broken up, her actions were none of his concern. Hu Li firmly declared that even if he broke up with Ji Nian, he would never be with her, and ordered her to stop slandering Ji Nian. Zhou Yifei, frustrated, demanded to know why she was inferior to Ji Nian. Hu Li explained that his lack of affection for her was unrelated to Ji Nian and she shouldn't compare herself.
Zhou Yifei then revealed that Ji Nian was going abroad with another man and vowed to make her life difficult. Exasperated, Hu Li issued a final warning against her spreading baseless rumors and hurting Ji Nian. Zhou Yifei defiantly declared her love for Hu Li and hatred for Ji Nian, asserting her right to do as she pleased. Hu Li, in a shocking move, asked her if she would still act this way if Ji Nian was her sister.
A fire alarm suddenly blared throughout the hotel. As people frantically evacuated, Hu Li's assistant urged him to leave, but Hu Li insisted on finding Ji Nian. Trapped, Ji Nian desperately called for help. Hu Li, speaking on the phone with Ji Nian (using their affectionate nicknames "Shi Tou" and "Man Tou"), learned she was in a restroom on the second floor.
Ji Nian urged him not to come, fearing for his health, but Hu Li vowed he would never leave her. Overwhelmed by emotion, Ji Nian tearfully apologized for her previous coldness, confessed her love for him, and promised never to leave him if she survived. Hu Li found her, kicked open the door, and carried her out through the smoke and fleeing crowds. However, due to the emotional stress, Hu Li suffered another power leakage and collapsed.
Ji Nian screamed for help. Zhuo Yuan, who had been observing from a hidden spot, quickly vanished, while Bai Dongchen rushed to their aid and helped carry Hu Li out. Hu Li eventually woke up and immediately asked about Ji Nian. Bai Dongchen, dryly, told him to worry about himself, confirming that Hu Li had suffered another power leakage and would have been "scrapped" if not for him.
Ji Nian brought Hu Li some porridge, but Bai Dongchen mockingly remarked that it was useless for an AI. Bai Dongchen also suggested that Ji Nian's sudden change of heart was merely typical female unpredictability. Ji Nian later spoke with Dr. Yang, who assured her that Hu Li would recover as long as he maintained a calm emotional state.
Ji Nian then questioned Dr. Yang about Bai Dongchen's claim that he was the only one who could save Hu Li, and if his condition—that she leave Hu Li for Zhou Yifei—was true. Dr. Yang confirmed that Bai Dongchen was indeed an AI, and reassured Ji Nian that she would handle the situation and advised her to focus on caring for Hu Li. Meanwhile, Zhou Yifei confronted her father, Zhou Hongwei, asking about his relationship with Ji Nian.
Zhou Hongwei admitted that Ji Nian was her half-sister. He explained that his divorce from Zhou Yifei's mother stemmed from a lack of affection and living separately, and Ji Nian's mother was unaware of their marital issues. He stated that his efforts to indulge Zhou Yifei were an attempt to compensate her. Zhou Yifei expressed regret for her past actions towards Ji Nian upon learning this truth.
Zhou Hongwei then warned Zhou Yifei not to take Hu Li's affection seriously, suggesting that Hu Li, having had high standards before his accident, might only be 'acting'. Returning to Hu Li, Ji Nian was questioned by him about her intentions to leave and if her previous rejection stemmed from his AI status. He reiterated Dr. Yang's assurance of his recovery and his similarity to a human.
Ji Nian, holding a framed photo of them, clarified that she wasn't leaving but merely intended to hang the photo. Overjoyed, Hu Li embraced her tightly, proclaiming his sole desire was to hold her. They reflected on their earlier misunderstandings. Hu Li was upset that Bai Dongchen, also an AI, had kept his true nature a secret, making Hu Li feel foolish about Bai Dongchen's perceived "human pride."
Ji Nian speculated that Bai Dongchen's actions were driven by his feelings for Zhou Yifei. They forgave each other, acknowledging that they both had kept secrets out of fear of separation. Ji Nian suggested they maintain a good relationship with Bai Dongchen until Dr. Yang could find a permanent solution for Hu Li's power leakage. Hu Li admitted to feeling weak and "low on battery." He then playfully demonstrated his "charging method" with a kiss.
Hu Li then confronted Bai Dongchen, who was packing his belongings. Hu Li accused him of being a coward and maliciously manipulating Ji Nian, blaming Bai Dongchen for their breakup and the chain of events that led to Ji Nian being trapped and Hu Li nearly dying. Bai Dongchen dismissed Hu Li's accusations as mere "heroics."
Bai Dongchen acknowledged his responsibility to save Hu Li, as they were the only two of their "rare species" who should assist each other, but maintained his superiority as a "second-generation" AI. Hu Li scoffed at this, wondering if even second-generation AIs had "bugs," and playfully chased Bai Dongchen, attempting to "inspect" him. Ji Nian later met Zhao Lin at a café.
Zhao Lin apologized for not realizing she was trapped during the fire and expressed his admiration for Hu Li's courageous rescue. He then revealed that Ji Nian's overseas study opportunity, including her chosen university, tuition, and a financial card, had been arranged by her father, Zhou Hongwei, who was against her relationship with Hu Li. Zhao Lin hoped that witnessing Hu Li's actions might change Zhou Hongwei's mind.
Ji Nian thanked him and asked him to return the card to her father. As Zhao Lin left to catch his flight, he told her to contact him if she ever wished to pursue studying abroad. Ji Nian met Zhou Hongwei for dinner and returned the card, informing him of her decision to forego studying abroad.
Zhou Hongwei expressed his desire for her to live a simple, stable life like any ordinary girl, with a loving partner, and reiterated his belief that Hu Li was not suitable. Ji Nian, however, firmly declared her deep love for Hu Li, regardless of whether he was human or AI, or if his condition could be cured. She expressed her unwavering desire to be with him, for a day or a lifetime.
She pleaded with Zhou Hongwei not to interfere in their relationship, to grant them his blessing, and to help find a cure for Hu Li. Touched, Zhou Hongwei told her that her name, Ji Nian, meant to cherish the present and beautiful things, living each day happily. Ji Nian was deeply moved and thought of her mother, whom she missed dearly. Later, Hu Li called Ji Nian, who was thinking of him. He suggested they go on a movie date. Ji Nian happily agreed, and as she spoke, Hu Li surprised her by appearing behind her. They embraced, reaffirming their love.
