Episode 26 recap: Old Chen and Xian Reunite After Many Years
In Episode 26, Aunt Wang tells Xian that everything has been clarified on Old Chen's side, suggesting that Xian has been trying to win him over with good food and drink. She even presents some snacks she gave to Old Chen as evidence, leading to a heated argument between them. Xian insists on understanding why things turned out this way. Aunt Wang initially wants to leave but is stopped by Zhi, who presses her for answers. Eventually, Aunt Wang reveals the backstory and shows a letter written by Bai Mengzhi, questioning Xian about why she stole it.
Aunt Wang opens the letter right there, eager to see its contents and how they relate to Xian. Zhi also leans in to read, but after she finishes, Aunt Wang leaves. Xian becomes particularly fixated on the letter's content, using it as leverage. She tells Zhi that if she reveals what the letter says, she’ll disclose who her father is.
Zhi tells her the truth: the letter is simply an apology from Bai Mengzhi, with nothing else. Upon hearing this, Xian bursts into tears but still refuses to reveal who Zhi's father is. Frustrated, Zhi starts smashing things in the room. Finally, Xian reveals the truth: she is Bai Mengzhi, the letter was from Zhi's biological father, and she herself is an illegitimate child. Zhi is devastated, crying like a storm outside.
When Zhi wakes up, she finds herself in the hospital surrounded by Zou Jie and his family. Zou Jie asks what happened, noting she has been unconscious for three days. Zhi says nothing, just wanting to be discharged. Worried, Zou Jie brings Chen Qiao for support. Chen Qiao visits Zhi at the factory, and after some coaxing, Zhi finally breaks down in tears.
Chen Qiao tries to comfort her, encouraging her to express her feelings, mentioning he is like a father figure to her. This warms Zhi's heart, and she cries again. She finally shares that her mother told her her father is a capitalist and that she is an illegitimate child. Now that she has a chance to join the Party, her mother’s words make her feel conflicted.
Old Chen advises her that Xian might have said those things in anger and not to take them too seriously. After returning home, Chen Qiao is overwhelmed with memories of his past with Xian, especially their last embrace. He recalls how Xian separated from Cong for Zhi's sake and struggles to sleep that night.
The next morning, Chen Qiao heads to Xian's house. However, Xian doesn’t recognize him. After Cong explains for a while, she reluctantly opens the door. Chen Qiao rolls up his sleeve to show her the birthmark on his arm, and upon seeing it, Xian bursts into tears, realizing that Cong is still alive after all these years. Chen Qiao explains that he was rescued after a shipwreck and took on a colleague's name, Chen Qiao, living in the countryside all this time. His leg was injured, which is why he hesitated to see Xian.
Later, he had the chance to come here after saving a local official's son, and he admits he knows Zhi and came to talk about her. Chairman Zuo meets with Zhi to discuss plans for new Party members in the upcoming half-year, expressing interest in having Zhi join, but she must first clarify her family situation. Remembering her mother’s words, Zhi firmly declares she doesn’t want to join the Party.
At that moment, Old Chen arrives to find Zhi, overhearing the conversation and realizing she feels inferior due to her background. Chen Qiao then enters the room and candidly reveals to Chairman Zuo that he is Zhi's biological father. In that instant, it seems like all misunderstandings and barriers may finally be resolved.
Comments(Episode 26)