Second Chance Romance Episode 16 Recap
> Second Chance Romance Recap
Tan Siting revisited her childhood home in her thoughts, recalling happy memories of her father measuring her height against a wall. She wondered how he had fared all these years, hoping this journey would finally reunite them. After concluding matters with Wen Peiyan, Feng Rui attempted to call Tan Siting repeatedly, but received no answer. Growing anxious, he rushed to her workplace, a training center. A staff member informed him that Ms. Tan had taken a long leave.
The principal, Ms. Zhuang, recognized Feng Rui and confirmed that Tan Siting had received news about her father and had gone to Hongyuan, providing him with the bus details. Ms. Zhuang also expressed her concern for Tan Siting, who had worked tirelessly and alone for thirteen years, urging Feng Rui to protect her. Feng Rui earnestly assured the principal that he was now certain of his feelings for Tan Siting and would take good care of her.
Before leaving, Feng Rui quickly called his mother, Gao Hui, claiming he had an urgent out-of-town trip and asking her to look after his son, Le, for a few days. He subtly conveyed that he might not be back in time to get the marriage certificate next week, signaling the wedding was off without explicitly stating it. Gao Hui immediately sensed something was amiss and tried calling Wen Peiyan several times, only to find her unresponsive, which increased her suspicion.
Feng Rui managed to buy a ticket for the same bus and arrived just before its departure. Tan Siting was surprised to see him on board. He explained that he only wished to help her search for her father, as he was familiar with the area and had local contacts, which would make the search more efficient. Meanwhile, Le called Wen Peiyan, asking about his piano lessons.
Wen Peiyan, sounding unwell, explained she had a cold and advised him to practice the pieces he already knew, promising to make up lessons later. Le, unaware of the breakup, innocently expressed concern that she couldn't get sick since she was about to marry his father. Later, Gao Hui asked Le about his conversation with Wen Peiyan, further solidifying her feeling that something was wrong.
Upon arriving in Hongyuan, Aba County, Tan Siting and Feng Rui met Duoji, Feng Rui's local friend who worked at his vineyard. As they drove, Tan Siting noted the significant changes in the area since her last visit thirteen years ago, a time when she and Feng Rui were a couple.
Duoji mentioned how much Tan Siting had changed, recalling a group photo of them on a mountain peak thirteen years ago—a photo Feng Rui had once retrieved from mudslide debris. Duoji had already begun inquiring about Tan Siting's father, stating that people at a local contact station had seen him, as he handled deliveries through them.
Due to the long travel time, Duoji suggested they rest at a hotel first and visit the station the next morning, also warning Tan Siting about potential altitude sickness. That evening, at their hotel, Tan Siting thanked Feng Rui. Later, walking on a bustling street, Tan Siting, anxious to find her father, mistakenly identified a stranger as him and rushed forward. The emotional surge triggered her altitude sickness.
Just as he had thirteen years ago, Feng Rui quickly gave her a paper bag to help regulate her breathing, which brought her relief. Seeing his care, Tan Siting questioned why he was there when he should be preparing for his wedding. Feng Rui quietly revealed that the wedding had been called off. He explained that he no longer wanted to lie to himself or to Wen Peiyan, adding that the cancellation was not because of her.
Their search continued, with Duoji contacting more friends. He finally located Haji, a local who confirmed that Tan Siting's father had stayed with him for over a week, herding sheep and transporting goods. However, Haji reported that her father had left a week prior, without saying where he was going. He described Tan Siting's father as a quiet man who kept his past to himself.
After further inquiry, Haji remembered that Tan Siting's father had once mentioned living in a small village in the north. With this new lead, they drove to the remote northern village, stopping to show a photo of Tan Siting's father to various locals, but no one recognized him. As they ventured further, the road ended, giving way to an uninhabited wilderness of swamps and wetlands, a dangerous place where wild animals roamed at night.
Duoji explained that even locals dared not enter. Overwhelmed by despair, Tan Siting felt all their efforts were futile. She decided to give up, stating that they had exhausted all avenues and found no clues. Feng Rui gently encouraged her not to give up, but Tan Siting, heartbroken, insisted on returning. Later, Feng Rui urged Tan Siting to eat something. Distraught, she questioned where her father could possibly be, reiterating that they had searched everywhere.
Feng Rui tried to reassure her, suggesting her father might have just wanted a quiet place to stay. He also mentioned that his mother knew the circumstances of his trip weren't to blame for the cancelled wedding, but she still needed time to accept it. Tan Siting, however, dismissed his attempt at comfort, stating that she didn't care what his mother thought; all she wanted was to find her own father. As Feng Rui looked at her, he saw the same sad yet stubborn girl he had accompanied on this very search thirteen years prior.
