Walk Into Your Memory Episode 21 Recap
> Walk Into Your Memory Recap
Even after discovering Long Haoqian's connection to her sister's death, An Ning found herself still loving him. She sat down with him to talk, using their incompatibility in personality and family background as a pretext to insist on their separation, explaining that stopping now was their best option before they made a bigger mistake.
She expressed appreciation for their time together, declaring her intention to live as if she had never met him, focusing on finding a new job, going on blind dates, and caring for her family, and hoped he would do the same. An Ning firmly stated she never liked being friends with exes and that they should avoid meeting again. Long Haoqian, heartbroken, could only tell her to take care, watching her leave and cry alone, unable to offer comfort.
While An Ning and Long Haoqian privately grieved, their families were blissfully unaware, happily discussing the menu for their wedding banquet. An Ning's grandfather suggested Chinese food for its uniqueness, while her mother tried to defer to Long Haoqian's parents. Their joyous planning was abruptly interrupted when An Ning returned home and announced to everyone that she could not marry Long Haoqian. Long Haoqian's mother grew anxious, fearing An Ning's decision stemmed from her own initial poor attitude.
An Ning quickly reassured her it wasn't the case, explaining that she and Long Haoqian had "broken up peacefully." The families reacted with shock and sorrow. An Ning's grandfather, bewildered, asked if Long Haoqian had bullied her, offering to teach him a lesson, but An Ning reiterated there was no bullying or misunderstanding, only that they weren't meant for each other. Stating she was tired, An Ning retreated to her room, leaving the stunned elders helpless.
Long Haoqian remained in his room, silently consumed by despair. Yi Mingjun confronted him, expressing disbelief and concern, reminding him of his deep love for An Ning and the set wedding date, asking what he truly wanted. He warned Long Haoqian that if he let An Ning go, he might end up alone. Despite Yi Mingjun's pleas to call her, Long Haoqian remained unresponsive.
Meanwhile, An Ning, like Long Haoqian, refused to reveal the true reason for the breakup, even to Xia Tian. Min Er learned of the breakup and An Ning's resignation from Meng Lu and immediately called William. William initially found it impossible to believe, knowing An Ning's deep affection for Long Haoqian. He instructed Min Er not to interfere, stating he would see An Ning himself, convinced that her feelings for Long Haoqian were too profound for an easy separation.
Late that night, An Ning was in the kitchen, practicing her cooking. Her worried mother found her there, asking why she was still awake. An Ning explained she needed to fulfill her father's wishes and perfect her culinary skills to find a new job and better provide for her mother, even joking about buying her pretty clothes and taking her to do her hair so she could "have face" in her square dancing group.
While speaking, she accidentally cut her hand. The pain finally broke her composure, and she began to cry. Her mother, deeply distressed, embraced her, repeatedly asking if Long Haoqian had hurt or betrayed her and promising her unwavering support. An Ning, however, kept insisting that nothing was wrong, apologizing for making her mother worry. Her mother, her voice filled with anguish, reminded An Ning that she was "all I have" and implored her to be well.
An Ning's grandfather watched the scene from the doorway, his heart aching for his granddaughter who stubbornly kept her pain hidden. An Ning's grandfather, heartbroken by his granddaughter's profound sadness—a grief he hadn't seen since An Yi and her father passed away—went to confront Long Haoqian, seeking an explanation. He reminded Long Haoqian of his past promises and questioned his integrity, asking if there was some unspoken reason for the breakup.
Long Haoqian could only offer apologies, unable to reveal the truth about An Yi, which would re-open deep wounds for An Ning's mother who had only recently started to heal. The grandfather spoke of An Ning's immense sorrow, how she lost two beloved family members abruptly, and how her restored sight came from her sister's donated corneas.
He described An Ning's outwardly optimistic and strong demeanor as a facade, revealing that she truly lived for her remaining family and the memory of her lost loved ones. He yearned for a man who could truly understand and love her, to spend the rest of her life with her, as he and her mother were aging.
Overwhelmed with guilt, Long Haoqian apologized again, telling the grandfather not to forgive him, asserting that An Ning deserved a better man as he was "not good enough for her," leaving the grandfather to wonder if their breakup was truly irreversible. Meanwhile, Meng Lu suffered from dizziness and nausea, her face pale. Nana noticed and urged her to rest, but Meng Lu insisted she was fine. She tried to call Gong Chen, but his phone was unreachable.
Looking at a positive pregnancy test, Meng Lu realized she was pregnant, leaving her at a loss for what to do, as she had intended to cut ties with Gong Chen. Unbeknownst to her, Gong Chen was at that very moment practicing his marriage proposal, fumbling his heartfelt words about treating her well and her "hot-tempered and simple-minded" nature. When Meng Lu opened her door, she found Gong Chen on her doorstep.
They immediately began their usual bickering, with Meng Lu sarcastically asking if he was there to bless her ex-boyfriend and her, and Gong Chen reminding her of his past kindness. During their argument, Meng Lu was suddenly overcome by morning sickness. Gong Chen, upon discovering the pregnancy test, was overjoyed. He took the opportunity to propose, expressing his love for her and the baby. Meng Lu initially resisted, accusing him of proposing only because of the child.
Gong Chen, however, produced a ring he had already bought, explaining his sincere intention to marry her regardless. He confessed his past hesitancy due to a previous painful marriage but swore he was willing to conquer his fears for her. Meng Lu, still playful, challenged him to pursue her properly once more, "like how Long Haoqian pursued An Ning," before she would accept his ring. Gong Chen enthusiastically agreed to win her over again.
William visited An Ning, relieved to see her appear well despite the breakup. He offered to take her on an out-of-town film shoot, hoping a vacation would help her heal and rediscover her vibrant self. At the same time, Long Haoqian instructed his assistant to prepare his American villa. He informed Yi Mingjun that he planned to take his father to America for surgery and, after business meetings, would not return to China.
Yi Mingjun vehemently opposed this, concerned about An Ning and expecting Long Haoqian to attend his wedding with Xia Tian. Long Haoqian, however, stated that An Ning no longer concerned him and firmly refused to discuss it, wishing Yi Mingjun and Xia Tian happiness. Even when Yi Mingjun mentioned Xia Tian's concern that An Ning was unwell, Long Haoqian remained resolute, stating it had nothing to do with him anymore.
Separately, Min Er, inspired by past advice, decided to recommit to her studies and prepare for university. She frequently sought guidance from Lin Zeyu, who, despite his busy schedule, happily served as her "life mentor," offering support based on her progress. An Ning decided to accept William's offer and travel with him. Her mother and grandfather lovingly bid her farewell, urging her to stay safe and keep in touch.
Xia Tian also encouraged An Ning, hoping that a change of scenery would help her move on, philosophically attributing the breakup to fate. On the very same day, Long Haoqian was also scheduled to fly to America. Upon arriving at William's filming location, An Ning immediately recognized the hotel. It was the place where she and Long Haoqian had stayed when they represented Long Teng in a culinary competition, a time when their relationship was just beginning.
What was meant to be a therapeutic escape quickly became a painful reminder of their past happiness. William, unaware of her specific emotional connection to the place, simply remarked on the fresh air and beautiful scenery, highlighting its suitability for a vacation. That evening, hotel staff delivered supper to An Ning, informing her that "a mister" had ordered it for her. An Ning initially suspected William, but a quick inspection made her doubt it.
She called Yi Mingjun, who had been trying to reach Xia Tian. Yi Mingjun then revealed that Long Haoqian was flying overseas that very night and "might not come back again." An Ning feigned calm, simply saying "Okay, I got it" before ending the call. Moments later, William arrived with supper for her, noticing the food already on her table.
An Ning quickly explained she had ordered it herself, leaving her to ponder the mystery of who had truly sent the first meal. Later, An Ning found herself at a picturesque spot where she and Long Haoqian had once made wishes. She began to shout into the scenic landscape, repeatedly declaring, "Long Hao Qian, I don't love you any more!" and "I don't want to love you any more," as if trying to convince herself.
As rain began to fall, she tried to take cover but slipped and fell. Long Haoqian, who had been silently following her, rushed forward, helping her up and draping his jacket over her. A quiet moment passed between them. Noticing a scrape on her, Long Haoqian hurried to get medication.
As he carefully applied it, he gave her a lengthy list of instructions, emphasizing avoiding water, allowing the wound to heal before cooking, and remembering to change the bandage, noting her usual carelessness. It was revealed that Long Haoqian had postponed his departure to America after finding An Ning's wish on a wishing stone, which read: "Long Hao Qian, I desperately want to forget that I love you."
He had followed her all day, heard her declarations, and was the one who had secretly ordered supper for her. As they prepared to part ways, An Ning realized she still had his jacket. She rushed after him to return it, only to find Long Haoqian collapsing, his body overheating, seemingly from another severe headache.
