Only For Love- Episode 19-21 Recap

Zheng Shuyi finally reveals that her initial interest in Shi Yan was purely professional, sparked by a desire to interview him. However, as she got to know him, his charisma and talent captivated her, making her feelings more complex. Shi Yan, perceptive and patient, senses there's more beneath the surface but remains determined to give Zheng Shuyi the space she needs to be fully honest. Meanwhile, Bi Ruoshan, enjoying her time at the racecourse, seizes the moment to orchestrate a perfect opportunity for Zheng Shuyi and Shi Yan. She arranges for Shi Yan to drive Zheng Shuyi home, while she herself is chauffeured by Guan Ji, setting the stage for an evening filled with potential revelations and deepening connections.

At the winery, Guan Xiangcheng and Tang Yi savored the rich flavors of fine wine, their conversation drifting to matters of the heart. Guan Xiangcheng, having long moved beyond the thrill of love at first sight, expressed his belief that their relationship was a culmination of thoughtful decisions and genuine affection. He envisioned a future where they would navigate life’s challenges together, but Tang Yi, still unversed in the intricacies of long-term commitment, struggled with doubts about their future. Sensing her hesitation, Guan Xiangcheng reassured her that their concerns were manageable and encouraged her to embrace their relationship with the same openness as Shi Yan and Zheng Shuyi. He urged her to focus on the genuine connection they shared rather than overanalyzing the uncertainties ahead.

Yu You’s mother, keenly perceptive, broached the subject of Zheng Shuyi with a strategic glint in her eye. She inquired about his feelings toward Aunt Wang’s daughter, sensing an opportunity to accelerate their relationship. When Yu You hesitated but did not outright refuse, his mother took this as a promising sign. Misinterpreting his ambivalence as genuine interest, she seized the moment to urge him to pursue Zheng Shuyi with renewed vigor. Her encouragement was laced with a mix of hope and determination, fueling Yu You’s path forward in this delicate dance of romance.

Tang Yi reached out to Zheng Shuyi, pressing for details about her relationship with Shi Yan. With no clear definition of their connection, Zheng Shuyi had to admit they weren’t officially together. Meanwhile, Qin Shiyue, noticing Shi Yan's visible turmoil, probed into his emotional woes. Upon discovering that Shi Yan might have been betrayed, Qin Shiyue speculated that the issue was either a lack of genuine affection or an overwhelming obsession. She concluded that if Shi Yan's significant other was hiding something from his uncle, it likely meant they cared deeply about his opinion.

Guan Xiangcheng had grand plans to introduce his son Guan Ji to Tang Yi, but he hesitated, deciding instead to wait until Tang Yi was ready to meet his family. With a playful smirk, Guan Ji teased his father about being a backup for a potential future stepmother. Guan Xiangcheng, however, remained earnest, acknowledging Tang Yi’s hesitations and vowing to respect her pace while waiting patiently for her response. Guan Ji, ever the supportive son, encouraged his father to pursue his love with courage and assured him of his full support in finding happiness with Tang Yi.

Shi Yan, along with Guan Ji and Yu You, arrived at the bustling headquarters of Polymer Battery Company, eager to explore its potential. They were greeted by the company's directors, Cheng Xing and Hao Wangshu, who guided them through a comprehensive tour. It quickly became clear that Polymer Battery had poured an impressive 70 to 80% of its resources into cutting-edge technology, yet its market share had stagnated. The company stood on the precipice of a major breakthrough—or disaster. Shi Yan, ever the visionary, was undeterred. He saw this as an opportunity, emphasizing that Yunchuang’s commitment to technological advancement mirrored his own belief: only through innovation could they forge a path to market dominance.

Zheng Shuyi’s mother was relentless, pressing her for details about her relationship with Yu You. Faced with mounting pressure, Zheng Shuyi reluctantly claimed she was already involved with someone. Her mother, skeptical and insistent, demanded proof. Reluctantly, Zheng Shuyi sent photos of Shi Yan, only for her mother to recognize him from his online business persona. Convinced it was a ploy, she dismissed the images as deceptive and issued an ultimatum: Zheng Shuyi must introduce her to Yu You this weekend or face further interrogation.

Under pressure from her mother, Zheng Shuyi reluctantly invited Yu You to dinner over the weekend. Meanwhile, Qin Shiyue, learning about Zheng Shuyi’s family pressures and her blind date with a finance professor, noted the coincidence that Yu You was in the same field. Realizing she had no genuine feelings for Yu You, Zheng Shuyi decided to ask Qin Shiyue to join the dinner. When Qin Shiyue arrived at the restaurant, she was stunned to discover that Zheng Shuyi’s “blind date” was none other than Yu You, the very person she had been secretly harboring feelings for.

Zheng Shuyi revealed to Yu You that her dinner invitation was a result of her mother’s relentless pressure to settle down, even though she herself wasn’t rushing into marriage. Yu You, grasping Zheng Shuyi’s predicament, admitted he was swamped with work and wasn’t looking for a relationship either. As they engaged in easy conversation, Qin Shiyue, watching from the sidelines, felt a pang of frustration, lamenting how Yu You seemed to have so much to talk about with Zheng Shuyi while barely acknowledging her presence.

When Qin Shiyue skipped dinner at home, Shi's father called to check on her whereabouts. It was during this call that Shi Yan inadvertently discovered Zheng Shuyi was on a blind date. As Qin Shiyue seized the moment to probe Yu You about his feelings for Zheng Shuyi, Yu You confessed that he admired her but was currently focused on maintaining a friendship, acknowledging that Zheng Shuyi wasn't interested in him romantically at the moment. Zheng Shuyi's mother had planned for her to attend an exhibition with Yu You next week. Initially, Zheng Shuyi wanted to decline, but with a little nudge from Qin Shiyue, she decided to extend the invitation to both Yu You and Qin Shiyue, turning it into a group outing.

As Yu You drove Zheng Shuyi home, he inquired if there was someone special in her heart who seemed impossible to reach. He proposed a plan to manage his family's expectations by publicly acknowledging that he and Zheng Shuyi were in the early stages of getting to know each other. Zheng Shuyi was intrigued by the idea and agreed.

After parting ways with Yu You, Zheng Shuyi ran into Shi Yan downstairs. She fibbed about her dinner being with an old friend, denying any involvement with a blind date. Enraged by the thought of Zheng Shuyi with someone else, Shi Yan seized the moment and kissed her passionately, making it clear how deeply he cared. He then invited her to work overtime with him the following weekend. Despite his bold gesture, Zheng Shuyi was left feeling disheartened, questioning why Shi Yan seemed hesitant about their relationship.

Zheng Shuyi's mother urged her to focus on Yu You and not get caught up in fleeting online fantasies. She insisted that Shuyi spend the weekend attending the exhibition with Yu You. Determined to make it happen, Qin Shiyue promptly booked tickets for the art show. To her surprise, Yu You responded with utmost politeness, even reimbursing her for the ticket costs.

Shi Yan was practically glowing with joy after officially starting a relationship with Zheng Shuyi. Even Guan Ji and Yu You couldn't miss the vibrant energy radiating from him. Confident in the company's youthful dynamism and its relentless pursuit of technological innovation, Shi Yan was more enthusiastic than ever about investing. He admired the clear division of labor within the management team and saw a promising future for the venture.

Zheng Shuyi made it clear to Qin Shiyue that her feelings for Yu You were purely platonic, and she had no romantic interest in him. Qin Shiyue, while agreeing that Zheng Shuyi's personality might not mesh well with Yu You's, remained hopeful about the dynamic between Zheng Shuyi and the charming "little uncle" she fondly referred to.

Meanwhile, Kong Nan faced an unexpected crisis when her house suffered a water leak, forcing her to find temporary lodging while renovations were underway. Upon hearing about her predicament, Chen Sheng eagerly stepped in to help her find a rental. As Kong Nan realized Chen Sheng’s interest in her, she boldly inquired about his feelings. Chen Sheng confessed his desire to date her, a sentiment Kong Nan didn’t dismiss. However, she candidly pointed out their age difference and urged Chen Sheng to carefully consider their future and readiness for a serious commitment.

Though Zheng Shuyi and Shi Yan hadn't managed to meet since their relationship became official, their connection remained strong. When Zheng Shuyi discovered that Shi Yan had been working through meals, she took the initiative to order him takeout, a gesture that touched Shi Yan deeply. Meanwhile, Guan Ji invited Bi Ruoshan for a dinner date, suggesting they also enjoy some horse riding and movie-watching together. When Bi Ruoshan probed about the nature of their relationship, Guan Ji hesitated, leaving her disheartened. Despite her disappointment, Bi Ruoshan encouraged him to reflect on his true feelings and what he wanted for their future.

Yi Yang visited the financial agency with a dual purpose: to request a manuscript from Zheng Shuyi and to propose featuring the interview in the agency's prestigious electronic magazine. To further pique her interest, he extended a special invitation for Zheng Shuyi to be the exclusive media guest at his upcoming press conference. Meanwhile, Qin Shiyue made her way to the University of Finance and Economics once again to attend Yu You’s lecture. A courteous male student at the university helped Qin Shiyue secure a seat, prompting her to offer a dinner treat in thanks. As Yu You watched Qin Shiyue chatting amiably with the student, a pang of jealousy stirred within him, adding tension to the already charged atmosphere.

When Shi Yan discovered that Zheng Shuyi was burning the midnight oil, he went above and beyond by ordering her favorite seafood noodles and personally delivering them to the office. Zheng Shuyi was touched by the thoughtful gesture, savoring the special delivery as a sweet reminder of Shi Yan's care.

Meanwhile, Zheng Shuyi attended Yi Yang’s live online opening conference for Yi Yang Company. During the event, she was impressed to learn that Yi Yang, a renowned chip genius, had co-founded Dark Horse Technology with his partner, Bruce. Shi Yan, on the other hand, was struck by a troubling revelation: Bruce had left Le'an Group for Dark Horse Technology. Since Yunchuang had heavily invested in Le'an, Bruce’s departure posed a significant threat to their investment, leaving Shi Yan and his shareholders in a precarious situation.

Seeing Shi Yan’s distress, Zheng Shuyi decided to take matters into her own hands and rushed to Yunchuang to find him. When she arrived, Chen Sheng informed her that Shi Yan had just left ten minutes earlier. Unwavering in her resolve, Zheng Shuyi followed him to his home. There, she embraced him warmly, offering solace in her embrace. Determined to lift his spirits, she suggested they share a drink together, hoping to soothe his worries and bring a spark of comfort amidst the gloom.

Zheng Shuyi noticed Shi Yan's wavering confidence after Bruce's departure from Le'an. Determined to lift his spirits, she reminded him that he surpasses Yi Yang and that Bruce's exit isn't a reflection of his own shortcomings. Drawing from her own experience—when her manuscript was blocked during her internship—she illustrated that setbacks are part of the journey to success. It’s those who face these challenges and persevere who ultimately thrive. With Shi Yan surrounded by the unwavering support of Guan Ji, Yu You, Chen Sheng, and now herself, Zheng Shuyi is certain he will rise above this adversity. Overwhelmed by her steadfast belief in him, Shi Yan finds himself compelled to kiss Zheng Shuyi, his gratitude and affection shining through.

Shi Yan, determined to tackle the company crisis, hit the office early to work through the weekend. Meanwhile, Zheng Shuyi, learning of his extended hours, planned a day out with Qin Shiyue and Yu You. They visited the art museum first, with Qin Shiyue enthusiastically sharing her art knowledge. Zheng Shuyi admired her insights, only to discover that Qin Shiyue had spent the entire night memorizing art facts from Baidu Encyclopedia.

Adding to the intrigue, Zheng Shuyi learned from her mother that Yu You's mother is the esteemed dean of the Academy of Fine Arts. This revelation left Qin Shiyue feeling uneasy about having misled Yu You. To soothe her, Zheng Shuyi reassured Qin Shiyue that Yu You might not be well-versed in art, easing the tension. After their museum outing, Zheng Shuyi planned to head to Yunchuang to support Shi Yan during his late-night work marathon.

Zheng Shuyi, having spent a whirlwind day at the exhibition and working overtime with Shi Yan, rushed off to support him. Meanwhile, Qin Shiyue, eager to carve out some alone time with Yu You, casually mentioned that she had booked two movie tickets. Seeing her hopeful face, Yu You, reluctant to disappoint her, immediately offered to join her for the film. The stage was set for a night of unexpected revelations and intimate moments.

Zheng Shuyi's unexpected encounter with Qin Lezhi at Yun Creative quickly turned tense when Qin Lezhi, mistaking her for having an affair with Mr. Qiu, warned her about Mr. Qiu's wife, the powerful vice president of a self-media company. Zheng Shuyi, unruffled, shot back with a sharp retort about Qin Lezhi’s purported reformation, infuriating him in the process.

Meanwhile, Shi Yan, having heard from Qin Shiyue about Zheng Shuyi's visit to the exhibition with her blind date, noticed her striking attire and teasingly questioned the reason behind it. Zheng Shuyi, caught off guard, explained that she dressed up to impress Shi Yan. As Shi Yan drew closer, playfully teasing her, Zheng Shuyi's confusion led to a blush of shyness, adding a layer of miscommunication to their interaction.

Zheng Shuyi is increasingly drawn to Shi Yan, discovering the depth of his qualities and feeling more distant from her original motives. Initially, she sought an exclusive interview with him to impress Yue Xingzhou, but now, her desire is to face an uncertain future alongside Shi Yan and navigate all obstacles together. She confides in Bi Ruoshan about her changing feelings, who supports her and even suggests that marrying into a wealthy family could be advantageous for Zheng Shuyi.

After a lunch break, Zheng Shuyi listens to Bi Ruoshan's supportive words but is surprised to find Shi Yan returning from a meeting and heading to the bathroom. Shi Yan, having overheard the conversation, pretends not to notice, his heart sinking at the thought that Zheng Shuyi's initial intentions might have changed.

Qin Shiyue seized the chance to get closer to Yu You during their movie outing, but a mix-up led Yu You to think she was simply tired and in need of a ride home. As they drove, Qin Shiyue remembered Bi Ruoshan's advice to be bold in romance and decided to take the plunge. She boldly inquired about Yu You's relationship status and, upon learning he was single, expressed her eagerness to visit his home directly.

Meanwhile, Yi Yang made another visit to the financial agency, this time with an agenda. He pushed for an exclusive interview with Zheng Shuyi, openly revealing his admiration for her. Zheng Shuyi was taken aback by Yi Yang's unexpected interest, sparking intrigue about what might unfold next.

DramaZen's Opinion

The tension around the director is palpable right now. They spent a grueling three hours filming that highly anticipated kiss scene, only for fans and paparazzi to capture countless tantalizing glimpses behind the scenes. Everyone was buzzing with excitement about how stunning it would look in the actual drama—only to be let down by a few fleeting seconds from a poorly chosen angle.

It’s not just that scene; the same disappointment extends to other kiss and hug moments too. The actors' chemistry was electric, but the director’s choices seem to have sabotaged it. The behind-the-scenes footage is brimming with passion and intensity, making the final product’s lackluster presentation all the more frustrating. The script is badly written, the characters have no depth, but it could've still been a fluffy fun drama had it been edited down to a 20 episode drama instead of 36 episodes.

Despite the director having a lavish budget for this drama, the final product feels like a low-budget web series. It’s incredibly disappointing for both the talented actors and the eager fans who anticipated a high-quality spectacle!

Episode 20 was a rollercoaster of unexpected twists and thrilling new cast introductions! I’m itching to criticize Bruce, but honestly, they should have seen his defection coming. It’s glaringly obvious that his background check was a total flop, especially since he was brought in on Yu’s recommendation. It’s intriguing to think he might be a long-time ally of Jackson Yi from their school days.

And the marriage proposal between Mr. Guan and the senior editor? Total shocker! I initially suspected an affair when he handed Shinyu his "wife's" riding clothes at the stables. Clearly, that was a subtitling mistake since we later learn he’s not married, though whether he's divorced or widowed remains a mystery.

My only complaint so far: Will Shuyi and ShanShan quit messing stuff up! Can't these two keep their mouths shut and quit causing a worse misunderstanding with Shi Yan than there already is at this time? Silence is golden!!!!!