Episode 17 recap: Zou Jie’s Parents Oppose His Relationship with Zhi
In Episode 17, Zou Jie is frustrated with his parents for investigating Zhi, feeling it's none of their business. However, his parents have their reasons; given their family's unique background, they believe they need a daughter-in-law who can fit into their revolutionary environment. Although Zhi has many good qualities, her complicated family background makes them think she is unsuitable. Despite the modern emphasis on love, they still struggle with their reservations.
Zou Jie, determined to be with Zhi, ignores his family's opposition.
On the weekend, he takes Zhi home to meet his parents. To impress Zou Jie’s sister, Zhi brings candy. As soon as they enter, Zou Jie’s parents subtly ask about Zhi's job stability and scrutinize her delicate hands, internally doubting her ability to handle housework. Zhi quickly explains that her mother does most of the chores and that she helps out. Zou's mother then compares Zhi to Xian, noting how Xian dresses more fashionably and likely doesn’t do any household tasks. Zhi feels awkward upon noticing stains in the cup and, claiming she isn't thirsty, refuses to drink. Zou’s mother takes this opportunity to praise her daughter for being hardworking.
Zou’s father bluntly states that they have looked into Zhi’s family situation and believe the two families are mismatched. Hearing this, Zhi is enraged that her family was investigated without her knowledge and storms out. Zou Jie tries to follow, but his parents stop him, urging him to give up on this "bourgeois girl."
Alone on her bike, Zhi is devastated and can't help but cry when she reaches her building. The next day at work, Zou Jie seeks her out, but she coldly ignores him. In a fit of defiance, she attempts to lift heavy items alongside her coworkers, resulting in a back injury that lands her in the clinic. When Zou Jie returns with medication, he finds that Zhi has left and rushes after her to apologize.
It turns out Zhi is upset because Zou Jie didn’t walk her home and kept the investigation from her. After a heartfelt apology, they reconcile, but both are uncertain about their future.
Zou Jie insists on carrying Zhi home, and seeing her in pain, he carries her up the stairs. Zhi, worried her mother will misunderstand, urges him to leave quickly. Zou Jie leaves the medicine behind, reminding her to take care of herself before departing. Just as he reaches the door, Xian returns and is concerned to see Zhi hurt, massaging her back while scolding her for overexerting herself.
Back at home, Zou Jie expresses his frustration with his parents' opposition, but his mother suggests introducing him to someone new. Meanwhile, Zhi arrives but only encounters Zou Jie’s sister playing.
At the same time, Aunt Chen arrives at Zou's house with a girl named Xiaoyu for a blind date. Upon hearing Zhi’s voice, Zou Jie rushes out and publicly declares that Zhi is his girlfriend. Zhi gathers her courage to ask Zou Jie’s parents for their acceptance, but they firmly refuse. Zou’s mother insists he spend time with Xiaoyu, but Zou Jie adamantly refuses, holding onto Zhi and declaring his love for her.
Seeing this, Xiaoyu leaves with Aunt Chen. Zhi earnestly communicates her sincerity to Zou Jie’s parents, stating that her family background is part of the past and she will prove herself through her actions. However, his parents are unresponsive, retreating into their room. Zhi realizes she must be patient and take things slowly.
That evening, Zou Jie’s mother scolds him, claiming Xiaoyu is far superior to Zhi and that he has offended Aunt Chen. Frustrated, Zou Jie argues with his mother, who, unable to convince him, ends up in tears.
On the other side, Zou’s mother approaches Xian, hoping she can persuade Zhi to give up on Zou Jie. Feeling her family is better off, she believes Zhi isn't good enough for him. Xian, angered, retorts that Zhi has many suitors and wouldn’t look twice at Zou Jie.
Their conversation ends on a sour note, and both Zou Jie and Xian are troubled about their futures. Zhi understands that love without parental blessings is challenging, but she is reluctant to give up easily. Both are working hard to find a way for Zou Jie’s parents to accept Zhi.
Comments(Episode 17)