Unusual Idol Love Episode 17 Recap
> Unusual Idol Love Recap
Zhou Hongwei showed Bai Dongchen surveillance footage of Ji Nian being locked in a hotel bathroom. Bai Dongchen recognized Song Mengmeng and also identified an entertainment reporter, Zhuo Yuan, who was present during the incident. He told Zhou Hongwei that he and Zhou Yifei would handle Song Mengmeng, noting that Zhou Yifei was now aware of her relationship with Ji Nian and could help her sister, fostering their bond.
Concerned about Hu Li's condition, Zhou Hongwei asked if Yang Zhe had any way to save him. Bai Dongchen admitted he wasn't sure but mentioned Yang Zhe's continuous efforts and offered his own assistance. Bai Dongchen sensed Zhou Hongwei's change of heart about saving Hu Li, and Zhou Hongwei confirmed he would continue funding Yang Zhe's research. Bai Dongchen then approached Zhou Yifei, who had been avoiding him, asking if she felt guilty.
He presented her with the video of Ji Nian being trapped. Enraged by the malicious act, Zhou Yifei vowed revenge, lamenting her past malicious actions towards Ji Nian now that she knew Ji Nian was her sister. Bai Dongchen advised her to calm down and led her to confront Song Mengmeng, but not before Zhou Yifei insisted on changing and doing her makeup to make a grand entrance.
When they found Song Mengmeng, Zhou Yifei sarcastically offered her "premium green tea," a pointed insult. Song Mengmeng tried to dismiss the video as an accident, but Zhou Yifei and Bai Dongchen pressed her, threatening to involve the police for attempted intentional harm. Zhou Yifei declared Ji Nian as her sister and warned Song Mengmeng to stay far away from her.
Shocked by the revelation of their sibling relationship (to Song Mengmeng), Song Mengmeng promised to never bother Ji Nian again, but Zhou Yifei still made her pay for the "green tea." Meanwhile, Hu Li and Ji Nian went to a cinema for a date. Ji Nian urged Hu Li to keep his mask on, fearing they would be recognized, especially by night-vision cameras. Hu Li reassured her that in the dark, no one would see them.
During the movie, Hu Li playfully asked if he had once played a cool dragon character on screen. As they left the cinema, fans quickly spotted Hu Li. They tried to escape, but Hu Li suddenly stopped, removed his mask, and publicly kissed Ji Nian, declaring that it would dispel rumors of discord and show his fans how adorable his girlfriend was. The fans captured the moment, causing a sensation online.
Separately, Yang Yun, acting on Zhou Hongwei's behalf, attempted to pay off Zhuo Yuan to keep the video of Hu Li fainting a secret. Zhuo Yuan, however, became suspicious, wondering why such a video, which could boost Hu Li's reputation, was being suppressed. Yang Yun warned him that Chief Zhou did not want anyone to see the video, and that disclosing it would lead to him losing both the money and his career in the industry.
Zhuo Yuan, recognizing the stakes, indicated he understood. Back at Ji Nian's cafe, Luo Li, her friend, complained that Hu Li and Ji Nian's public romance had only brought temporary buzz, not lasting business, and that fans were now leaving hateful comments about Ji Nian. Ji Nian suggested improving the coffee itself. Luo Li then joked about Ji Nian being "sour" like a lemon, reflecting the fans' current mood.
Later, at the film set, Hu Li's assistant, guarding his dressing room, explained that Hu Li was inside meeting with Chief Zhou, and no one was allowed to enter. Zhuo Yuan, acting furtively, feigned concern about Hu Li's well-being, mentioning that it was Zhou Yifei's birthday and Chief Zhou must be there for that. He used this pretense to get past the assistant. Inside, Zhou Hongwei presented Hu Li with a termination contract, giving him freedom.
As a father, he wished Ji Nian a happy, peaceful life, despite still not wanting them together. Hu Li, without hesitation, chose Ji Nian, promising Zhou Hongwei he would dedicate his time and energy to her happiness. After the meeting, Zhuo Yuan stealthily entered Hu Li's empty dressing room and photographed the signed termination contract. Ji Nian arrived at the set with a birthday cake she had personally baked for Zhou Yifei.
Zhuo Yuan immediately cornered her, asking about Hu Li and subtly hinting at his previous fainting spell, implying a secret illness. Zhou Yifei, arriving just in time, fiercely interrupted Zhuo Yuan. She publicly confirmed Ji Nian was her sister, the daughter of Kewen Entertainment's boss, and warned Zhuo Yuan, referencing Song Mengmeng's past misdeeds and her hold over her.
Ji Nian and Zhou Yifei then left, with Ji Nian noting Zhou Yifei’s overbearing nature, but admitting she was touched by the display of protection. Ji Nian teased Zhou Yifei for having to beg her to make the cake and attend the party, while Zhou Yifei pointed out Ji Nian was wearing the necklace she had gifted her.
During this time, Zhou Yifei's co-star, Lin Shan, brazenly confronted her, criticizing her for being a privileged actress who got roles through investment, implying her acting was poor, her temper bad, and she was slowing down production. Zhou Yifei, despite her usual feistiness, listened silently and teared up after Lin Shan's relentless taunts, admitting that many of the accusations were true and that her current troubles stemmed from Hu Li.
Ji Nian, observing this, tried to comfort Zhou Yifei, acknowledging her temper but defending her kindness, encouraging her to improve her acting, and reminding her of her contributions to the show. Seeing that words weren't enough, Ji Nian suggested they go to KTV to drink and sing their worries away. Hu Li, meanwhile, was discussing his newly acquired freedom with Bai Dongchen.
Bai Dongchen noted that Hu Li's success in getting the contract terminated was due to his and Yang Zhe's plan, leveraging Zhou Hongwei's guilt towards Ji Nian. Hu Li expressed concern that his public life had complicated Ji Nian’s desire for a simple life. Bai Dongchen countered that a thrilling romance might be what Ji Nian truly wanted. Hu Li then accused Bai Dongchen of hypocrisy, threatening Ji Nian on one hand while advising him on the other.
Bai Dongchen simply told Hu Li to see and hear only what he wanted him to. Hu Li then reminded Bai Dongchen about Zhou Yifei's birthday party invitation to Ji Nian, implying Bai Dongchen should be more proactive. As Ji Nian and Zhou Yifei were at KTV, letting loose, Zhou Yifei asked if Ji Nian ever felt she wasn't qualified to be her sister.
Ji Nian admitted to having thought so initially but had come to find Zhou Yifei quite endearing. Zhou Yifei then acknowledged her past resentment towards their father, Zhou Hongwei, but declared that from now on, she would be Ji Nian's protective older sister, her "backer." Touched by this, Ji Nian revealed a secret: Bai Dongchen was in love with Zhou Yifei. Zhou Yifei, however, dismissed it as impossible, calling Bai Dongchen "fierce."
Suddenly, Hu Li and Bai Dongchen burst into the KTV room, having strategically agreed that Bai Dongchen would handle Zhou Yifei while Hu Li focused on Ji Nian. Ji Nian tried to get Hu Li to toast with Zhou Yifei to bury the hatchet, but Hu Li, who couldn't drink, quickly "fainted" after a small sip.
Ji Nian, playing along, quickly grabbed Hu Li and her handbag, telling Bai Dongchen to take care of Zhou Yifei, and rushed out, giving Bai Dongchen an opportunity alone with Zhou Yifei. Zhou Yifei, left feeling abandoned, complained that Ji Nian had broken her promise as a birthday girl. Bai Dongchen sat her down. He then sang "Happy Birthday" to a tearful Zhou Yifei and presented her with a bracelet, promising to fulfill all her wishes. As she drifted off to sleep, Bai Dongchen gently kissed Zhou Yifei on the forehead.
