Writing recaps actually takes up a lot of time and I am not sure if I will be able to finish the entire series now. So just going with two episodes at a time.
S~ 4-6 Oct’21
EP 3
For their supper date, Zhousheng Chen brought Shi Yi to a fancy Chinese restaurant because Shi Yi says that she liked reading San Yan Er Pai. (I am not sure what the co-relation is between San Yan Er Pai and this restaurant. On top of this, it wasn’t even mentioned in the first two episodes! Found an article on Wiki regarding San Yan Er Pai – it’s a collection of essays and stories.)
Both of them shared what they liked to read and then the waitress brought in a plate of crabs. Shi Yi offered some to Zhousheng Chen but he rejected her, saying that he doesn’t eat them anymore. Shi Yi just happily enjoyed the crabs on her own.
After supper, Zhousheng Chen, being the gentleman he is, sent Shi Yi home and walked her to the block. And then he informed her that he would be commuting between Shanghai and Zhenjiang these three months. When Shi Yi hears Zhenjiang, she is mildly surprised as that is where her ancestors are from. Zhousheng Chen is also surprised at the coincidence.
Finally, he said that he can be reached anytime at the phone number he was using to call her earlier. And then they said their good byes (with a few seconds of scene time here where they waved to each other good bye.)
The next morning, Hong Xiaoyu teased Shi Yi for having a late supper date with Zhousheng Chen until 2.30am! Xiaoyu was like if you guys are going to stay together in the future, to let her know early so that she can find her own place.
Over at Zhousheng Chen’s side at a horse-riding place, Mei Xing also teased him about the supper and that if Zhousheng Chen did not ask him along, it must be a girl. Zhousheng Chen just admitted it openly and not hiding how happy he was with the date.
After the horse-ride, both boys came back to Zhousheng Chen’s place and Mei Xing reminded Zhousheng Chen about his brother Zhou Wenchuan’s large scale business dealings and to take it back soon because they seemed “dirty” and might implicate the family business. Zhousheng Chen wants to inherit the family business too (to bring the investment focus back to China) but his father’s will made it clear that all children must marry first before they can inherit their shares. Thus Mei Xing suggested that he start seeing the girl that his Mother arrange or just go with Shi Yi since it’s obvious that she likes him and he has good feelings about her too. But Zhousheng Chen looked torn as it is ridiculous to discuss marriage with a girl he’s just met.
They got interrupted by his sister, Zhou Wen Xin, as she came by to get Zhousheng Chen to see their mother.
Zhousheng Chen’s Mother introduced a girl to him and he reluctantly have a conversation with her by just saying yes to all her questions. So awkward for the girl. Haha. And then Zhousheng Ren came by, asking for Big Brother’s help with studies. Mother then brought the girl out, and reminded them not to be late for the wedding banquet later.
And so it appears that the entire family knows who Shi Yi is, from the moment she approached him at the airport. Xiao Ren managed to get ahold of an envelope full of her personal information which apparently is gathered by his father (the second uncle). Xiao Ren then went to say how fortunate Big Brother is because Shi Yi is so pretty and a celebrity at that. Zhousheng Chen is like we are just friends.
Soon, Zhousheng Chen made his way to the car, going out with the envelope in his hand. In the car ride, he opened the envelope and couldn’t help smiling while looking at Shi Yi’s baby photos to her teenage years. (I think those are really Bai Lu’s childhood photos.) Lin-shu was like – shouldn’t you call first? (Ah, so they are going to Shanghai.)
They arrived at Shi Yi’s workplace but Zhousheng Chen just stood outside the place watching. Lin-shu thought they have quarrelled. Lol! But no, Zhousheng Chen is just being considerate, he does not want to disturb her at work.
Upstairs, Shi Yi was contemplating whether to give him a call. And then Mei Lin also asked Shi Yi about the late night supper date. (Everybody seemed to know more than the couple themsevles.) And then a call came and Shi Yi goes downstair to pick up her food delivery.
Zhousheng Chen and Lin-shu hid at the side and saw Shi Yi helping the injured deliveryman. Zhousheng Chen looked touched and glad to have caught a glimpse of Shi Yi. Later, Lin-shu actually gave the deliveryman a ride to the hospital.
And later that night, when Shi Yi is back home, she told Hong Xiaoyu that she is visiting family in Zhenjiang for Qing Ming festival. Xiaoyu asked if she will call Zhousheng Chen up since his ancestors are also in Zhenjiang but she said no, her plan is to ask Zhousheng Chen out for a meal to treat him back after Qing Ming.
The next morning, Zhousheng Chen is back in his house and Mei Xing asked where he has been, is it to meet Shi Yi again. Zhousheng Chen said yes, to see her but they did not meet. He confessed that he was just downstairs and trying to affirm if commuting back and forth for a total of 8 hours just to see her, would he find it a chore? His answer is no, in fact, he is happy despite the long car ride. (Hey, you weren’t the one driving, but yeah you endured the car ride..)
Mei Xing finally applauds the man for admitting that he likes the girl. So what next?
Zhousheng Chen decided to propose.
Shi Yi is on the way into Zhenjiang with her family but their car is stuck in a jam and not moving.
Mei Xing and Zhousheng Chen also on their way somewhere too and Lin-Shu’s sharp eyes spotted Shi Yi in the opposite lane. Mei Xing had just handed a set of pre-nup papers to Zhousheng Chen and then exclaimed what kind of fate do they have? He asked if Zhousheng Chen would like to propose in person. Lol! Zhousheng Chen was like what do you think the success rate is with a girl that you have only dated once! He looked very much in doubt.
Shi Yi and her family got to her uncle’s house and her uncle and aunt was trying to match-make her with their friend’s son who is in Zhenjiang because of the “investment meeting/conference” that the Zhou family is organising. Shi Yi just ran away to her cousin’s bedroom.
Zhousheng Chen is back in his courtyard, wondering if it is too noisy to make a phone call there. Mei Xing literally rolled his eyes and said, “Here, noisy?”
And then Zhousheng Chen went to borrow Lin-Shu’s phone.
Zhousheng Chen then noticed how Lin-Shu and Mei Xing couldn’t take their eyes off him. He is so nervous and decided to make the call in his bedroom because it’s quieter.
Upstairs, he made sure that his bedroom doors are closed before dialling.
ZSC: Hello, it’s me.
SY: I know.
ZSC: In Zhenjiang?
SY: How do you know?
ZSC: When you go past the check-point, I knew it already.
SY: Check-point?
ZSC: I believe you must have heard, it’s a little unusual in Zhenjiang recently, thus all the cars coming in and out would be recorded.
SY: Yes, I have heard about the business meeting.
ZSC: Right. I have your family particulars and verified that against the vehicle records and is sure it is your father’s car. I’ll explain to you in details when we meet again.
– ZSC took a deep breath –
ZSC: Now, I would like to ask you a question.
SY: You ask…
ZSC: Right now, I need to get engaged with someone.
– SY thinking back to the dinner with his colleagues and thought to herself so it’s true … He has a fiancee so why does he still ask me out, pffft.. –
ZSC: *sensing the silence* Shi Yi?
SY: Thanks for telling me specially. I wish you happiness.
ZSC: You’ve misunderstood what I said. What I meant is, Shi Yi, will you get engaged with me?
Shi Yi couldn’t believe what she heard. -silence from her-
ZSC: Shi Yi?
SY: Huh, what did you say?
ZSC: What I said is real. We aren’t considered strangers between the two of us and we both also have good feelings towards each other. Therefore, we can give it a try to get engaged.
SY: Eh, having good feelings and we should get engaged?
ZSC: There isn’t a lot of girls I know of, and if I need to get engaged, I wish it is with you.
SY: …
ZSC: If you would like to reject, it is fine too. You might have better choices.
SY: I do not… *and then stopped herself*
ZSC: I’m slow to warm up and need a long time to develop feelings towards a matter/person. While getting to know me more, if you realise you do not like it, or don’t like me at all, I will choose the most suitable way to end it and we can also call off the engagement anytime. I won’t make things difficult for you.
SY: Hmm. Can I ask a question?
ZSC: What question is it?
SY: You know all about my family, but I know nothing about your family.
ZSC: Ohh. My ancestors are from Zhenjiang, same as you. As for the rest, you will know very soon.
SY: If I refuse…
ZSC: Then I will not intrude in your life anymore.
– a long pondering moment from Shi Yi –
SY: *With a deep breath* Yes, I agree.
This time, the silence is from Zhousheng Chen. Shi Yi checked the phone to see if the line is connected.
SY: Hello, why aren’t you talking?
ZSC: Oh, I didn’t imagine that you would agree.
Shi Yi teased him and said if she reject now, is it still in time? And Zhousheng Chen dejectedly said yes, still in time. Shi Yi checked again, you aren’t joking right, and Zhousheng Chen was very serious about it.
Shi Yi then asked what next? Zhousheng Chen said the next thing is can you give me your body measurements? Shi Yi hesitated (as a girl’s measurements are very intimate) and Zhousheng Chen added on that it’s to prepare clothes for her (which suddenly doesn’t sound so intimate). Shi Yi then gave it to him and he asked for all the other measurements from her neck, arms, thighs, calfs to ankle. Shi Yi promised to give him after she measured it.
So Zhousheng Chen hang up and realised that Mei Xing has been outside the door all this while. Mei Xing applauds at Zhousheng Chen’s efficiency – first phone call for the first date and the second phone call for the proposal – and he got the girl. Haha. Zhousheng Chen got up quickly and moved to prepare the gifts for the girl’s family tomorrow.
Shi Yi broke the news to her mother that she’s got a boyfriend and he has just proposed, and she has already agreed. Shi Yi’s mother is like what’s the rush? But she could tell Shi Yi likes him very much and asked that he visits the parents first before anything is decided. Shi Yi said he will come by tomorrow. Mommy is like that’s fast.
EP 4
That night, Shi Yi could not sleep and chatted with Yuan Yuan.
On the other hand, Zhousheng Chen finally bought a new mobile phone and is setting it up. Mei Xing came in and started talking about the girl he saw in Xi’an whose face left a deep impression on him. He said he will propose on impulse too if he really likes the girl. (We are talking about the same girl here, buddy! But of course, Mei Xing doesn’t know yet.)
And then, Zhousheng Chen sent an sms to Shi Yi, informing her of his mobile number. And that he will come by tomorrow at 10am.
The next morning, at 10am sharp, Zhousheng Chen arrived with his entourage. Shi Yi came downstairs to welcome him, as well as her little cousin Shi Yuan Yuan.
Upstairs, Zhousheng Chen’s entourage dropped the gifts and then left. Shi Yi’s family is awed by how valuable the gifts are. (All of the gifts looked like antiques to me.) He then politely greets everyone and even prepared a little jade necklace for Yuan Yuan, totally winning her over.
Next, Zhousheng Chen wanted to bring Shi Yi to see his Mother and have lunch together. Shi Yi pulled him to a room and asked what does his Mother like (in terms of dressing)? Zhousheng Chen just said anything is fine but gave in to pressure when Shi Yi pressed for it. He had custom-ordered a cheongsam yesterday (probably why he got all of her measurements) and the seamstresses are downstairs. Next thing we know, they came up and started ironing the cheongsams and altering it to fit her on the spot. They came armed with jewellery too.
When the outfit is ready, Zhousheng Chen had to be reminded to leave the room so that Shi Yi can change.
When Shi Yi came out dressed in the cheongsam, not just Zhousheng Chen was stunned by her beauty, her family members too. She is really suitable for it. (Not everyone can carry the traditional outfit.)
In the car ride to Zhousheng Chen’s ancestral home, Zhousheng Chen gave Shi Yi a present (something that belongs to him as a child) that has his birth details engraved. A present that is reserved for his future wife. Shi Yi has one too and going to give him in exchange.
Shi Yi started asking about his family, what does his family do? Zhousheng Chen said mostly investments now, not carrying out any businesses in particular like in the past. And then why the business meeting invite only has Zhou as an emblem and not Zhousheng. Apparently, only the eldest son’s surname is Zhousheng. But there are circumstances in his family that has Zhousheng surname as well. (Regarding this, we will find out more in the later episodes, like why is Zhousheng Ren a Zhousheng as well?)
This is a long car ride. (So many convos.)
Shi Yi is curious if they need to stay together after the engagement. Lin-Shu heard it and pushed a button for the car divider to come up, giving the couple privacy. Zhousheng Chen frantically explained that there is no need to, things can remain status quo even after they are engaged. Shi Yi clarified that she just wanted to know, not that she is in a hurry to stay together. haha. Zhousheng Chen also pre-empted her about the possibility that his Mother might be hostile to her because she has an issue with him, not Shi Yi. Finally, Shi Yi asked why his family has her family information. It is simply because of the way they met at the airport, it was quite unusual. Shi Yi admitted that she don’t usually do that.
And then we arrived at Zhousheng Chen’s ancestral home.
The camera followed them from the entrance to the pavilion where his family are enjoying opera. It is a long walk, showing the vastness of his home!
At the pavilion, Zhousheng Chen held her hand and introduced her to his Mother. (Hey, in Xi’an it was Shi Yi who initiated with the palm reading, and now Zhousheng Chen’s turn.)
Zhousheng Chen’s Mother even though with a smile on her face, treats Shi Yi coldly, asked if Shi Yi had lunch and when Shi Yi said no, she did not let her stay for lunch. Instead, asking Zhousheng Chen to bring her out for lunch. This greatly annoys Zhousheng Chen. He said he’s not coming home tonight. Lol!
And the couple left, looking a little down.
They got onto the car and set off for a restaurant.
At the restaurant, Zhousheng Chen asked if Shi Yi has any preference for her engagement ring. She says no, since it’s her first time so Zhousheng Chen looked lost, he said he will figure it out on his own. Talk turned to how hostile his Mother is and how much she has prepared for his marriage and that includes the girls whom she has arranged before. Shi Yi wanted to look at the girls to know how they were like and Zhousheng Chen actually don’t mind showing her but he teased her with the restaurant menu instead. (Somehow this feels more like Allen Ren than Zhousheng Chen.)
And then some of Zhousheng Chen’s family members came by. Zhousheng Chen introduced Zhousheng Ren and then he doesn’t know the other two girls. Xiao Ren took over the introduction, there’s Tang Xiaofu and Zhou Wen Fang.
The group bigger now, moved to another location and chatted. They mostly talked about the city that they are going to reside in, is it Zhenjiang, Shanghai or Xi’an, and who is taking care of kids etc. Tang Xiaofu reminded the couple that they shouldn’t stay apart after getting married. (True true.)
Zhousheng Chen then send Shi Yi home, informing her that when he gets busy with work, it’s hard to pay attention to his phone thus he asked for three timings a day where they can call each other to keep in touch. (This is in reference to One and Only where Cui Shi Yi greets Little Nan Chen Prince a few times a day as his student.)
Mei Xing gave a speech at the business meeting/conference about the Zhou business’s focus, complaining about Zhousheng Chen not giving it. And then Mei Xing asked Zhousheng Chen if he contacted Shi Yi, and Zhousheng Chen said yes, happy that they called each other at the three agreed timings. Mei Xing joked that as long as Shi Yi doesn’t find it an issue, it’s all good.
And then it’s time for Shi Yi and family to leave Zhenjiang. Zhousheng Chen came and bid farewell and to send them off, winning praises from Shi Yi’s parents.
Back in Shanghai, at home after unpacking, Shi Yi sat down at the couch and wanted to tell Hong Xiaoyu about Zhousheng Chen. But before she did, Hong Xiaoyu guessed that they met in Zhenjiang which Shi Yi nodded to. Xiaoyu then asked what did they do in Zhenjiang, did they go watch a movie, have dinner (like a normal date) or hugged already? But Xiaoyu took it back (the hug) and said Zhousheng Chen is a traditional man. Shi Yi said no to everything and just said, “He proposed to me.” Xiaoyu was like and you agreed? Shi Yi nodded again. Xiaoyu couldn’t believe it. (Neither could many of us, and at episode 3!)
Shi Yi goes back to work and is recording the last episode of One And Only. It’s the scene where Cui Shi Yi gave up the family name of Cui, asked for her mother’s forgiveness and jumped to her death. (That’s why this lifetime Shi Yi is just Shi Yi, leaving out Cui.)
Shi Yi cried over the scene and completed the recording. Wang Yingdong kindly passed her some tissues to dry her tears. And then one of her colleagues came in and said to Shi Yi that her family sent dinner for everybody. Shi Yi looked surprised while Wang Yingdong looked disappointed.
Everyone is marvelling at the food as it looks fancy. Everyone thanked Shi Yi for it and tucked in already. Whereas Wang Yingdong asked how come Shi Yi never mentioned that she has a boyfriend and that her boyfriend sends food without showing up? Another chipped in and said yeah this guy has won the heart of our famous Shi Yi, he should come and let everybody take a look at him. Shi Yi just graciously said that her boyfriend is away for a business trip and volunteered to get drinks from the pantry for everybody.
At the pantry, Shi Yi texted Zhousheng Chen, saying she can recognise the boxes, it’s from the same restaurant they have been. Zhousheng Chen replied almost immediately, replying that he does not know many restaurants and that Shi Yi seemed to enjoy the food from there. Shi Yi just smiled at the text message.
DramaKaffe 