Where the Lost Ones Go Episode 18 Recap
> Where the Lost Ones Go Recap
Ye Zi, gazing at the drawings Xiang Zeyi had created, could no longer contain her emotions and pressed him for the real reason behind his sudden departure years ago. Xiang Zeyi, finally ready to reveal the truth, led her to the hospital where Gu Yishan was being treated. Outside Gu Yishan's ward, Xiang Zeyi confessed the full story, admitting that his journey of atonement had only just begun.
He explained that days before their graduation, an accident had occurred, leading to Gu Yishan's current comatose state. Xiang Zeyi took full responsibility, expressing deep guilt and believing he didn't deserve forgiveness, nor would anyone forgive him. He lamented that if he had been calmer, Gu Yishan would be healthy like them.
Ye Zi insisted it was merely an accident, but Xiang Zeyi clarified that it was more than that; he had ruined Gu Yishan’s life and his own parents' lives, and he had been unsure how to face Ye Zi. Ye Zi, upon hearing the truth, held his hand firmly and declared that even if it was a nightmare, they would confront it and bear the burden together from that moment forward.
Early that morning, Zhu Xuan prepared breakfast for Yuan Lang, serving him with unusual eagerness. She playfully pressed him for details about a surprise he had promised. Yuan Lang, however, remained resolute, praising her "Michelin three-star" cooking but playfully refusing to divulge any information about the surprise, despite Zhu Xuan's teasing threats to "kill herself" if he didn't tell her. He then quickly left for work, reminding her to drink her milk.
Xiang Zeyi and Ye Zi had rekindled their romance, often exchanging sweet text messages that made them feel as if they were back in their college dating days. One afternoon, Xiang Zeyi visited Ye Zi's studio. Ye Zi was out for a meeting, so Xiang Zeyi decided to wait for her. Instead of Ye Zi, he was met by Ye Zi's mother, who had come to bring her lunch.
Unaware of his identity beyond being a friend, Ye Zi’s mother voiced her concerns about Ye Zi's marital prospects, lamenting that her thirty-year-old daughter was still unwed and secretive, much like her childhood self. She then shifted the conversation to Ye Zi's college boyfriend, asking if Xiang Zeyi knew him. Without revealing himself, Xiang Zeyi confirmed he knew him, describing him as a tall, handsome, talented, and reliable friend he had grown up with.
Ye Zi’s mother, however, steered the conversation to Lin Sen, praising him as the most suitable son-in-law candidate, highlighting his reliability. Xiang Zeyi attempted to advocate for his friend again, but Ye Zi’s mother eventually concluded that such discussions were futile, as the decision ultimately rested with Ye Zi. She then asked for his name, to which he replied, "Xiang."
Ye Zi’s mother picked up a newspaper from the table and began to read an article about a sixteen-year-old boy sentenced for assault after a fight over a cigarette. As she read, Xiang Zeyi became deeply affected, tears welling in his eyes as he silently reflected on his own past. After finishing, Ye Zi's mother remarked that everyone makes mistakes and deserves a chance to reform, especially the young. She then thanked "Xiang" for the pleasant conversation.
Internally, Xiang Zeyi felt he was no longer as strong as he once was. Later, Ye Zi spoke with Zhu Xuan on the phone. Zhu Xuan excitedly shared Liu Xinran and Zhang Daniao's plans to travel to America for an e-sports game and to get married during their journey, suggesting a gathering for their friends. Zhu Xuan then pressed Ye Zi for updates on her relationship with Xiang Zeyi.
Ye Zi, however, playfully dismissed her as a "gossip girl" and ended the call without revealing any details. Cheng Xi went to the airport with Wu Kai to pick up her parents, who had returned from abroad. Her parents initially commended Wu Kai, mistaking him for her helpful colleague, impressed by his willingness to carry their luggage. However, when Cheng Xi introduced him as her boyfriend, their enthusiasm quickly waned.
They claimed to be tired and postponed further discussion until they arrived home. Once there, they tried to persuade Cheng Xi against dating Wu Kai, arguing that he was too young and not mature or reliable enough to care for her. They expressed their desire for her to find a "real man" who would look after her, rather than someone she had to care for.
Cheng Xi, displeased by their remarks, brushed off their concerns, stating she had plans and Wu Kai was waiting for her, before leaving. Zhang Daniao proudly boasted about his recent e-sports achievements to Xiang Zeyi, claiming he could excel even in gaming. He then urged Xiang Zeyi to act quickly regarding Ye Zi, warning that Lin Sen hadn't given up on her.
He suggested that Xiang Zeyi pick up Ye Zi after her girls' night out, hoping the romantic setting would inspire him to confess his feelings. That evening, Ye Zi, Zhu Xuan, Liu Xinran, and Cheng Xi gathered for their girls' night out. Liu Xinran excitedly shared that she and Zhang Daniao were departing for Hawaii soon, the first stop on their journey that would culminate in their wedding and an e-sports competition.
Cheng Xi arrived late, explaining that her parents' recent return from Argentina after a decade had disrupted her independent rhythm, making her feel uneasy. She described how she was used to her own routines, but her parents' care, while attentive, felt overwhelming and forced her to change her habits.
Zhu Xuan and Ye Zi encouraged her to embrace the rare opportunity for family bonding, reminding her that her parents were likely adjusting too and that their expressions of love were precious. As the gathering concluded, Liu Xinran left with Zhang Daniao, and Zhu Xuan departed, leaving Ye Zi to walk home alone. As Ye Zi walked, Xiang Zeyi appeared, offering to escort her home. He hadn't driven, suggesting they walk together since her home was nearby.
Ye Zi mentioned that she usually enjoyed the quiet solitude of her walks after gatherings, finding it a good way to clear her thoughts, but admitted that having company felt nice too. She asked if he was familiar with the route. Xiang Zeyi confessed that he had walked that very road many times, not alone, but secretly following her.
He recounted how he had often watched her from afar—seeing her stumble drunk near a garbage can only to pick herself up, witnessing her moments of pure joy, and observing her standing contemplatively by the trash bin for long periods. Yet, despite knowing her struggles and her strength, he had never dared to step out and greet her. He expressed his regret at not having had the courage to say "Long time no see" or simply "Good night."
When she shivered, he removed his jacket and wrapped it around her. He then conveyed his deep realization that the years they had lost could not be mended by mere greetings. He told Ye Zi that he wanted to give her a long-overdue promise: he wanted to make her happy, and he asked her to have faith in him.
