Episode 14 recap: Nan Hua learned about the earring issue.
Previously, Nan Hua wrote a plan to settle down here, intending to renovate the place so that there would be a home for the Crown Prince when he returned. Tai Ping saw this and advised Nan Hua not to wait any longer. It had been over seventy years, and if the Crown Prince were to return, he would have done so by now. Nan Hua wouldn't be able to wait.
Nan Hua handed the earring to Ding Yan Hai, hoping he could find a place to sell it. Ding Yan Hai asked Nan Hua if he needed money, as he had recently taken on a design job. Nan Hua explained that it wasn't enough. He wanted to give Jin Xia a home, so he needed more money. Moreover, he had a feeling that this earring would bring some trouble to Jin Xia, so he wanted to sell it as soon as possible.
Ding Yan Hai was also frustrated upon hearing this, thinking Nan Hua was being too good to Jin Xia. Ding Yan Hai assured Nan Hua that he would find a place to sell the earring. Jin Xia was feeling miserable about this situation. Jiang Xiao Chuan believed she was worrying unnecessarily and couldn't be sure if Jin Xia was the person Nan Hua was waiting for.
Jin Xia wondered what would happen if she was indeed the one. Jiang Xiao Chuan suggested arranging a meeting between them. If they were truly meant for each other, they would recognize it, and it would eliminate any doubts, saving Nan Hua from overthinking. Jin Xia remained upset.
Nan Hua dreamed about some past events. During the time of the Republic, a woman came to him and said that the country was in a critical situation, and she had to go save it. She asked Nan Hua to wait for her here. Jin Xia arrived at the company, and her teacher asked her about the photoshoot with Nan Hua.
Jin Xia mentioned that she needed to ask Nan Hua about it. Her teacher told her to reply by the afternoon because the big fashion show was starting soon, and they needed to finalize things early. Jin Xia called Nan Hua to discuss the matter, and Nan Hua readily agreed.
Jin Xia felt that if Nan Hua agreed, she couldn't just wear the clothes she designed, as she and her teacher were part of the same show.
Nan Hua didn't see any problem, but Jin Xia didn't know what to say. People from the company came to inform Jin Xia's teacher that she had offended Madame Bruno, who had already made it clear that she wanted to blacklist Jin Xia. Therefore, the company would no longer provide her with resources for the fashion show.
Jin Xia's teacher asked if there was any room for negotiation, and the company's representatives mentioned that it would only be possible if she could convince Madame Bruno. Nan Hua arrived at the company and brought chicken soup for Jin Xia, suggesting that she could have some if she got hungry while working overtime. Others started discussing, wondering why Jin Xia was so lucky. Her design was chosen for the big show, and even her boyfriend was selected as a model.
Someone accidentally almost spilled coffee on Jin Xia, but Nan Hua maneuvered her to avoid it. Nan Hua noticed the earrings designed by Jin Xia's teacher and was surprised, asking Jin Xia what was going on. Jin Xia explained that she hadn't told Nan Hua before that the earrings were actually designed by her teacher. She had mistaken them for her own inspiration when she was drunk.
Nan Hua was also amazed. He saw other jewelry designed by Jin Xia's teacher and remembered some past events, particularly the woman who bid him farewell during the Republic era. Nan Hua asked Jin Xia's teacher if she knew Zhou Yinting, but she said she didn't.
Nan Hua left first, and Jin Xia continued working overtime. She drank the chicken soup that Nan Hua had made for her while thinking that she might never have this chicken soup again in the future. Nan Hua called Jin Xia and expressed understanding for why she hadn't told him about the design earlier.
Jin Xia urged Nan Hua to strive for his own happiness, and Nan Hua assured her that he had already promised to be a part of Jin Xia's family from now on.
Ancient times: The expectations placed on women were high, emphasizing the three obediences and four virtues. Ordinary women were treated like commodities, being bought and sold in blind marriages.
Even renowned and talented poets like Li Qingzhao had to endure imprisonment after divorcing her second husband. Even if the husband was a scoundrel, she had to bear the consequences.
(In fact, at this point, it's astonishing to realize how similar ancient people and modern people are. It's true that making poor choices in partners can really make one suffer.) The traditional chastity arches in ancient times only served to restrict women, while men were free to seek pleasure without much criticism.
Modern times: There are more individuals who engage in free love, but when it comes to marriage, there may still be compromises. However, overall, individuals have more autonomy.
At least, if you don't want to get married, you have the choice not to. However, society often struggles to accept this. Nevertheless, in our rural areas, there are already cases where people can choose not to get married or not have children, and their parents can accept it.
Perhaps the future will be better. I hope that everyone can achieve their desires, and that the life you lead is the life you truly want.