Second Chance Romance Episode 1 Recap
> Second Chance Romance Recap
At a prestigious international wine gala, Feng Rui, speaking in a mix of fluent French, English, and Chinese, proudly presented the unique Cabernet Sauvignon from his Cygne winery, located in western Sichuan. He elaborated on how the region's diverse terroir influenced the wine's character. After his winery received a gold medal for its exceptional creation, Feng Rui promptly returned to China.
Simultaneously, news reports announced that Tan Siting, the sole Chinese principal dancer of France's Cupid Ballet, had retired at the peak of her career. The decision puzzled many fans and industry insiders, but it was understood she intended to return home to pursue teaching. Back in China, her childhood friend, Yuan, warmly greeted her.
He expressed his joy at her return and, seizing the opportunity, confessed his long-standing feelings for her once more, but Tan Siting gently declined as she had done before, joking that perhaps it could happen in her next life. Yuan then shared updates about Feng Rui, mentioning his retirement from the military to establish Cygne Winery and that he now has a child. Tan Siting admitted to missing her father and expressed her hope of finding him this time.
The following day, while exploring Chengdu, Tan Siting boarded a public bus. There, she unexpectedly spotted Feng Rui. The moment brought back a vivid memory from her college days when they first met on a bus. She had accidentally dropped a possession, which Feng Rui picked up for her. They exchanged contact information, their connection blossoming from that chance encounter. In the present, Feng Rui, though visibly moved, maintained his composure and offered a polite smile.
Meanwhile, Feng Rui's mother was actively trying to set him up with Wen Peiyan, a refined and kind woman who was excellent with children and a skilled pianist, aligning perfectly with Feng Rui’s son, Le’s, piano studies. After a family dinner with Wen Peiyan and Le, as Feng Rui drove them home, the radio announced Tan Siting's return.
His mother, visibly anxious, glanced at him, concerned about the impact this news might have on her son, who had finally started moving forward after a difficult past. The next day, Feng Rui's mother again pressed him to buy a new piano for Le, suggesting he bring Wen Peiyan along to help select it, covertly creating another chance for them to bond.
She subtly probed Feng Rui about his feelings for Tan Siting, to which he calmly responded that it was all in the past and he had forgotten about it. His mother was relieved by his answer. Later, Tan Siting visited Cygne, Feng Rui's winery. The location was deeply significant, as it was on Hantang Road—the very street where they had once dreamed of opening a winery and a dance studio together.
As she arrived, a staff member introduced the winery as a six-year-old business focused on producing wines tailored to the Chinese palate, highlighting their popular dry red and dry white wines. Feng Rui then appeared. Their interaction was strained; his initial politeness had given way to a deliberate coldness. He offered her a glass of wine, which she tasted carefully.
Tan Siting critically observed the wine's "distinct graininess" and its "floral notes appearing briefly and then receding quickly," likening it to a "sharp, bold retreat"—a poignant reflection on her own decision to retire from ballet at her career's peak. She confessed she had returned to China to settle down. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Le and Wen Peiyan, with Le having previously called Wen Peiyan "Auntie" affectionately.
Feng Rui introduced Tan Siting as a friend, but Tan Siting quickly perceived the shift in his life, realizing he had moved on. She politely excused herself, taking a bottle of wine he offered her. As Feng Rui drove Le home, Le thanked him for the new piano. Wen Peiyan had brought Le to the winery after receiving a call from Feng Rui's mother, who had an unexpected company matter.
While driving, Feng Rui caught a glimpse of Tan Siting in his rearview mirror. Despite his earlier assertion of moving on, a deep well of emotion stirred within him, and he wished for time to stand still, allowing him to watch her a little longer. Earlier, Wen Peiyan had a candid conversation with Feng Rui's mother. Wen Peiyan confessed her feelings for Feng Rui but expressed concern about his reserved and overly formal demeanor towards her.
Feng Rui’s mother reassured her, explaining that it was just his personality. She encouraged Wen Peiyan to be more proactive in pursuing him. Wen Peiyan then cautiously inquired about Le's mother. Feng Rui's mother responded by saying that both Feng Rui and the woman were too young back then, only considering their own feelings and not understanding the true nature of life. She emphasized that the past should remain in the past and that they should all look forward.
