Episode Summary
Shi Fake and Lu Chi discover their connection is rooted in a shared childhood past, solidifying their fated bond. Meanwhile, Lu Xizhu's proposal to Zhu Yanyan hits a major roadblock when her grandfather rejects him based on social status, though he later agrees to test Lu Xizhu's character after learning of his past heroism.
Spoiler Alert
Better Halves (2025) Episode 14 Spoilers
The episode opens with Shi Fake and Lu Chi basking in the glow of their new relationship. While enjoying a day out, their sweet moment is interrupted when they spot Lu Xizhu and Zhu Yanyan together at the lakeside Wishing Tree, clearly there to make a wish.
Later, back at home, Shi Fake and Lu Chi playfully confront Lu Xizhu, who, unable to keep his secret any longer, admits his feelings for Zhu Yanyan. Acting on Lu Xizhu's behalf, Shi Fake visits Zhu Yanyan's home to see where she stands. She finds Zhu Yanyan engrossed in a sketchbook which, to Shi Fake's astonishment, illustrates the complete story of her own childhood encounter with Lu Chi and their journey to the present. It is revealed that Lu Xizhu created the book to help push the two of them together.
This discovery triggers a powerful realization for Shi Fake. She immediately seeks out Lu Chi and asks if he was the young beggar boy from her past. Lu Chi calmly confirms her suspicion. Overwhelmed with emotion at the knowledge that their bond was fated from childhood, a tearful Shi Fake embraces him. The two then decide to search for the "marriage stone" they had discarded long ago.
The episode also weaves in the developing stories of other couples. Shi Qianqian and Li Pan are seen walking happily hand-in-hand. He Kexian, having ended her previous engagement, has now found a connection with Shi Zhongshan.
That evening, Lu Chi escorts Shi Fake home, but they are forced to hide when they see Shi Fake's older brother, who strongly disapproves of their relationship. The situation grows more awkward when Shi Zhongshan also returns, with both brothers acting suspiciously to conceal their own romantic outings. In her room, Shi Fake correctly guesses that her brothers have found women they are interested in. Lu Chi pays her a secret visit, but their sweet interlude is cut short when her cousin, Qin'er, arrives, wanting to sleep in her room. A reluctant Shi Fake has to close the window, bidding a temporary farewell to Lu Chi.
The following day, Shi Fake finds Lu Chi helping to prepare betrothal gifts for Lu Xizhu's proposal to Zhu Yanyan. She cleverly uses the situation to observe Li Pan'er's reaction, which confirms her suspicion that Li Pan'er and her older brother share mutual feelings.
Lu Xizhu finally confesses his love to Zhu Yanyan. Though initially pleased, she misinterprets one of his statements, fearing he holds another person in his heart. For Zhu Yanyan, who wants a partner with undivided affection, this is a serious concern. To clear up the misunderstanding, Lu Xizhu reveals his secret identity as "Gebi Shanren" (the mountain man next door) by showing her a unique mark, proving he is the man she has long admired.
With the truth revealed, Shi Fake accompanies Lu Xizhu to formally request Zhu Yanyan's hand from her grandfather, Prime Minister Zhu. However, the Prime Minister rejects the proposal outright. He looks down on Lu Xizhu for being a commoner, deeming him unworthy of his granddaughter, whose family has consisted of government officials for generations.
A disheartened Lu Xizhu returns to Xi Bao Pavilion to share the bad news with Lu Chi. Upon learning of the rejection, a heartbroken Zhu Yanyan tells her grandfather how Lu Xizhu once saved her from a fire. This revelation prompts the Prime Minister to reconsider, and he decides to test Lu Xizhu's character before making a final decision.
As the episode concludes, the team at the Official Matchmaking Hall celebrates their recent successes, giving thanks to Shi Fake. Afterwards, Lu Chi meets with her and lovingly teases her for focusing so much on everyone else's marriages while neglecting their own. In a final scene, He Kexian returns home and finds her brother upset over his feelings for Shi Fake, encouraging him to be bold and pursue her.
