Love Game in Eastern Fantasy- Mini Recap Episodes 17-20
Episode 17:
As the Princess boldly interrupts jie and jiefu's date, our love bodyguard Miao Miao swoops in, intercepting every question the Princess hurls at Liu Fu Yi. When she tries to learn about his tastes in tea and alcohol, Miao Miao mutters just loud enough, “You should know all about tea by now.” (A little dig at her Green-Tea vibes, perhaps?) The Princess, ever persistent, insists that as long as Liu Fu Yi hasn’t made a choice, she’ll keep showering him with attention. She even dares to bring up “first come, first serve,” trying to one-up Miao Miao by pointing out Liu Fu Yi gifted her a pouch first. But we all know that little pouch doesn’t mean anything against the bond Liu Fu Yi and Miao Miao share. This “AC” competition is hilarious—how many “pouches” is Liu Fu Yi even handing out? 😂
Meanwhile, Zhao Ruo Shi swoops in to “protect” Miao Miao from Li Song Min, though let’s be real, it’s Miao Miao he’d better watch out for if he doesn’t want a fight. These two—Li Song Min and Zhao Ruo Shi—are like royal pests buzzing around, causing trouble for everyone.
On a more serious note, Zi Qi’s heart is a rollercoaster. He’s terrified of love, still haunted by memories of his mother’s heartbreak. He tries everything to shut down his feelings for Miao Miao, but all it takes is a single tear from her to shatter his defenses. And just like that, his anti-love resolve is gone.
As the sun sets, Miao Miao has her own plans to bring jie and jiefu closer together. She sets up a romantic confession night, complete with a swing (though she had to explain to Cui Cui that he’d have to die to turn into flowers). But Zi Qi understands her without needing words—he’s tuned into her every wish, maybe because he knows the pain of a lost love or maybe he just sees Miao Miao for who she truly is. As they squat together behind a rock, Miao Miao excitedly watches her OTP (one true pairing) in action, while Zi Qi distractingly asks her, “Does love need to be spoken to be real?”
In true Miao Miao fashion, she responds passionately: “Not every love story has a happy ending, but does that mean you should turn away from the chance at happiness? Some people would kill for a love like this. Isn’t it worth risking an ending?”
But just when the moment could get tender, the Princess’s antics continue. Only Mu Yao seems to hear the voice of Lady Resentment haunting her, and the eerie realization dawns—she’s carrying the spirit inside her.
And the drama thickens: Zhao Ruo Shi’s father may be Zi Qi’s father too, making them half-brothers! If the family ties weren’t tangled enough, there’s Lady Resentment lurking, and Pei Yun, the maid who harbors her own motives. She’s carrying a sinister bangle made from the hair of the Great Demoness (Lady Resentment’s no-joke evil twin), meant to bind a bride to the Marquis’s family. And yes, the Marquis has eyes on Miao Miao, thinking the bangle will secure her love.
Zi Qi, however, is all in. He’s preparing for a full confession, flowers and all, because Miao Miao herself asked for it. Please, drama gods, let this confession happen!
Episode 18:
Zhao Ruo Shi intercepts Zi Qi’s heartfelt confession in the front yard, and things quickly spiral. Despite Miao Miao’s refusal, Zhao Ruo Shi forces a wooden bangle onto her, awakening a surge of emotions she can’t control. She’s now head-over-heels—whether she likes it or not.
The wedding preparations are full steam ahead, and honestly, it’s happening way too fast. Zi Qi, reluctantly squeezed into the carriage alongside the newly betrothed pair, is there to “support” Miao Miao, though his disdain for Zhao Ruo Shi is written all over his face. When asked to pick a wedding dress style, he gestures vaguely, and Miao Miao (hopelessly under the bangle’s influence) agrees with him. Cue Zhao Ruo Shi dismissing their choice, preferring a garish puke-yellow gown instead. Seems this Grand Master Fashion Designer has some bold ideas! Miao Miao, her judgment clouded, simply goes along, even agreeing to a hideous fake name.
Meanwhile, Mu Yao digs deeper into the Celebrating Benevolence Hall, uncovering its sinister past tied to the Mu Sect massacre. Fourteen years ago, a Great Demon had possessed a hunter, who then built the hall as a front for the Meridian Life Absorbing Spell—a power source that feeds on human blood and flesh to grant eternal strength. For it to work, though, a girl must be sacrificed—first Pei Yu, and now, they want Miao Miao. Could Lady Resentment, the mysterious figure from Zi Qi’s memories, somehow be connected?
As tensions build, Zi Qi tries to reach Miao Miao, only to find her drifting away. He uncovers an intoxicated Zhao Ruo Shi’s memories of their childhood and, in a rash moment, undoes his hair tie, revealing his true form to Miao Miao. For the first time, she’s afraid. The one person he thought would accept him no matter what is now frightened. Broken-hearted, Zi Qi whispers, “You were the only one who wasn’t afraid of the real me… Now you are.”
In a vulnerable moment, Zi Qi finds himself on his knees, tears streaming as he searches for his lost hair tie. Meanwhile, Miao Miao stands conflicted, her emotions pulled back toward Zhao Ruo Shi by the bangle’s dark magic. Zi Qi watches her turn away, feeling his world dim as if his light has vanished.
At the same time, Pei Yun, who’s been waiting seven years for this marriage, reveals herself as a demon’s devotee, driven by hate and a thirst for revenge. With each revelation, the stakes grow, and Zi Qi’s path forward becomes even murkier.
Episode 19:
Mu Yao’s resolve is iron-clad—she's certain that Lady Resentment is the Great Demon and has decided to take vengeance into her own hands. Rejecting Liu Fu Yi’s heartfelt confession, which came with the weight of his love and his shifu’s mission, she chooses the hard path of “Noble Idiocy.”
Our heartbroken brother-in-laws—Mu Yao and Miao Miao—now find themselves bonded in shared heartache. Zi Qi tries to hold on to Miao Miao’s hand, but it’s too late. Zhao Ruo Shi whisks her away, while Li Song Min takes charge of the devastated Liu Fu Yi.
Later, a small bamboo dragonfly triggers something in Miao Miao, drawing her back toward Zi Qi. But he’s already gone. She can’t remember why this small, delicate token meant anything to her. It’s like her memories—and her love—are just slipping away, fittingly at a restaurant named "Forgotten." Zhao Ruo Shi, noticing her reaction, seems to realize that Miao Miao’s heart might be with Zi Qi.
Now, it’s just Zi Qi and Mu Yao left, but “Noble-Yao-Idiot” sends Zi Qi away on an errand, separating the last two who could have comforted each other. Even Cui Cui is in tears over the fractured group. Honestly? Same, kid. Humans are traitors. A solid 100%!
Meanwhile, Li Song Min isn’t done fighting for Liu Fu Yi’s heart. She tells him to take a day to consider his feelings. She’ll wear a wedding dress tomorrow, and if he doesn’t show up, she’ll move on, but if he does, she’ll wait for him.
Zhao Qin Ru’s past catches up with her in a haunting dream of Pei Yu. Her conscience isn’t quiet about the horrible fate Pei Yu suffered—a sacrifice that, according to the Consort, came from her being deceived by the Great Demon.
At the same time, Zhao Ruo Shi, clueless but trying to appeal to Miao Miao’s hidden memories, chooses a red wedding dress—the very color that once caught Miao Miao’s eye when she was with Zi Qi. Miao Miao’s heart stirs, as she recalls asking Zi Qi to help her choose her dress. Somewhere inside, she knows she’s lost someone precious. Just then, a family maid, Nanny Ru Yi—who has been with the Zhao family for two generations—assists Miao Miao in removing the bangle. But even she recognizes it, hinting at the secrets of the Zhao family that are yet to be unraveled.
Episode 20:
Zi Qi steps in just in time to make Miao Miao’s confession scene an absolute dream. He brings her not just the dreamcatcher but himself, asking why she’s crying, and she can only respond with, “You.” He never actually left her side. He lingered outside the gates, right where Cupid Cui handed him Miao Miao’s precious bamboo dragonfly and a heartfelt letter. Reading her unspoken feelings, Zi Qi finally sees her sincerity, and it’s enough to melt even his well-guarded heart.
Then, as Zi Qi studies the little dragonfly closer, he spots two tiny engravings: a flower and a plum blossom—a quiet symbol of “Blossoming Plum Flower = Love.” He realizes Miao Miao’s words about leaving the uncontrollable to fate were, in truth, her unvoiced feelings for him. Gratitude sweeps over him as he hugs Cui Cui, their little cupid in disguise, spinning him around with joy.
In return, Miao Miao finally throws her arms around Zi Qi in a huge, heartwarming hug. Zi Qi, barely able to hide his feelings, realizes his heart is full at 99%. Oh, and those adorable mushrooms? They’re glowing, thanks to Zi Qi's careful little bubble spell.
As Mu Yao pins on her "ugly" badge, ready for whatever danger awaits, she’s not going in alone. Our Four Martial Artists of the Bamboo Forest are reunited, stronger than ever. Liu Fu Yi, her silent protector, steps up beside her, showing he’s ready to stay by her side even if it risks his reputation. And with no words needed, Mu Yao responds with a hug, sealing the promise they both understand. Meanwhile, Cui Cui covers his eyes, innocently asking why everyone’s so huggy today—ah, young love, he’ll understand one day!
And in a moment that sums it all up, someone asks Zi Qi the ultimate question: “If your sister and Miao Miao fell in the water, who would you save first?” The answer—well, we might already know.
DramaZen's Opinion
I’ve got a wild theory—could the Resentful Woman actually be hiding within Mu Yao, or is Mu Yao herself the demon we’re all dreading? In the original novel, Mu Yao took her own life over Liu Fuyi, but with all the hints the drama’s dropping, it seems her fate might be even darker. It feels like Mu Yao will still make the ultimate sacrifice, but this time, not out of heartbreak—it’s to vanquish the demon once and for all. Talk about tragic hero vibes!
And Zi Qi, why didn’t you confess last night? You’re practically glowing with happiness today, but here comes the Marquis to ruin everything! Can’t a couple have one good moment without chaos crashing in? 😭
Oh, poor Zi Qi… every time he sheds a tear, it’s like a dagger to the heart. 😢💔 Miao Miao, girl, you’re out here watering someone else’s garden and completely neglecting your own! She's been so wrapped up in Mu Yao and Fu Yi’s drama that she's totally sidestepped her own tangled love life… seriously, tsk tsk.
And that bracelet… are we ever going to uncover the whole truth about this cursed thing? 😏
Honestly, Mu Yao seems a bit underwhelming solo—what exactly can she achieve without the squad? It’s like her strength only shines when she’s got the team by her side.
Meanwhile, if Mu Sheng wasn’t clearly the endgame, I’d say Zhao Ruo Shi deserves a real shot at happiness—even if it’s not with Miao Miao. He’s one of those characters who doesn’t grab the spotlight but still has this magnetic pull, that subtle charm you can’t ignore.
And speaking of Ruo Shi, the only genuine truth he’s told Miao Miao is that he loved her. He’s kept her in the dark about the bracelet’s sinister power ever since his Aunt spilled the secret. Remember how he rushed to dress her in a wedding gown? He believed the bracelet would be replaced with golden bangles, but fate had other plans—it clung to her wrist like it was meant to be. Miao Miao thought she was keeping it as a token of his love, but that was the bracelet’s enchantment at work, not her choice. Ruo Shi misread her feelings, thinking she truly loved him. He took a gamble, and it backfired.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Ruo Shi knew that if his grandmother—the Dowager Consort—saw Miao Miao wearing it, she’d be livid. The bracelet’s history is a twisted one, linked back to his father’s tragic experience. If he’d forced Miao Miao to keep it on, she’d be reduced to a hollow shell, an empty husk. So, he did what he had to—he let her go.
Why would the Dowager be furious? Because that bracelet… it was last seen on Qing Huan’s wrist, right before another fateful wedding—the one that led to the devastating Xingshan Hall Fire. It’s all connected, a legacy of heartbreak repeating itself, and Ruo Shi knows the consequences all too well.
Atleast Miao Miao and Zi Qi are reunited and the love he has for her is at 99% and he is full in at this point. I can't wait to see more interactions between the two and maybe some kisses. 😘
