Episode Summary
The episode sees Wangquan Hongye struggling with his newly awakened demonic powers on his first night, inadvertently seeking comfort from Dongfang Huaizhu, whose spiritual blood calms him. Qin Lan's jealousy grows as she attempts to sabotage Hongye and Huaizhu's planned stargazing date. Meanwhile, Qingmu Yuan uncovers a shocking secret: the current Zhang family head is an imposter named Anaran, blackmailed by his mother, Anayan (the State Preceptor), into targeting Hongye. Huaizhu rescues Hongye from Qin Lan's desert prank, leading to a romantic moment where Hongye discovers he can stop time with a racing heart and kisses Huaizhu. Li Quzhu plants a listening talisman on Qin Lan, which Huaizhu uses to flatter Hongye. The episode ends with Hongye and Huaizhu infiltrating the Zui Meng Lou and learning about an upcoming Demon Fighting Contest for the Evening Mist Flower.
Spoiler Alert
So, the episode kicks off at the infamous Zui Meng Lou (let's call it the Drunken Dream Pavilion, for flavor). Some poor demon is trying to make a run for it, but no luck – he's caught. This guy is terrified of being forced into the "illusion realm," having seen the gnarly fate of others who went in. But, surprise, surprise, his protests fall on deaf ears, and he's dragged away. You just know that place is bad news.
Meanwhile, it's a huge night for our main man, Wangquan Hongye. It's his first night post-demon-transformation, meaning his demonic side is at its absolute peak. Logically, he should be completely out of control. The unenviable task of watching over him falls to Li Quzhu. But, in a hilarious twist, Li Quzhu also transforms... into a little puppy! So much for a capable guardian. Left to his own wild devices, Hongye can't stop himself and ends up in Dongfang Huaizhu's room. He gently rests his face on her warm hand, and get this – Huaizhu realizes her special Dongfang spiritual blood has a calming effect on his demonic nature! She lets him hold her hand, and they actually fall asleep like that. Awww, a tender moment amidst the chaos!
The next morning, Hongye wakes up mortified, but thankfully, he didn't do anything crazy to Huaizhu. Phew! He barely makes it out of her room before a fuming Qin Lan confronts him. After a quick explanation, Qin Lan simmers down a bit. But she's not done! She then corners Huaizhu, grilling her about why she's being so darn nice to Hongye. Huaizhu, ever the diplomat, just smiles and expertly sidesteps the question. Later, when Hongye comes in to talk "serious business" with Huaizhu, they basically kick Qin Lan out, with Hongye even telling her to get the door on her way out. Oh, Qin Lan is livid. You can practically see the smoke coming out of her ears!
Elsewhere, Qingmu Yuan is on a mission. She specifically asked to be woken at "Mao Shi San Ke" (that's super early, like 5:45 AM!) because she knows Zhang Zheng goes for wontons at that time. She waits and waits, but he's a no-show, and she ends up dozing off at the table. Wouldn't you know it, Zhang Zheng does come by but doesn't see the sleeping Qingmu Yuan. Just as he leaves, the waiter wakes her. She then overhears a tidbit about someone who always orders asparagus wontons. Lightbulb moment! She knows it's him and dashes off in pursuit.
Back to the main drama: Qin Lan, still salty, overhears Hongye telling Huaizhu he'll take her to the heart of the desert to stargaze that night. Her scheming brain goes into overdrive. She feeds Hongye a fake message, supposedly from Huaizhu, telling him to go to their spot and wait. Then, she heads to the pharmacy to find Huaizhu and pulls the same trick, spinning another lie. That girl is trouble!
Qingmu Yuan's pursuit of Zhang Zheng pays off in a big way – she uncovers a massive secret! It turns out the current head of the Zhang family isn't the real Zhang Zheng at all. He's an imposter named Anaran! His mother, Anayan, sold him to the Zhang family because he was a spitting image of the actual Zhang Zheng. Now, this Anayan (who, plot twist, is the current State Preceptor of the Demon Control Nation!) is blackmailing Anaran, threatening to expose his secret unless he kills Wangquan Hongye. Qingmu Yuan rushes back to the Ruyi Lou (As You Wish Pavilion), gets her hands on a portrait of Anayan, and confirms it's the woman she saw. Suddenly, all the pieces fall into place!
Huaizhu and Qin Lan return to their courtyard. After a chat with Li Quzhu, Huaizhu realizes Hongye has been duped and is out in the desert, probably freezing his butt off. She immediately races to find him. Hongye, having arrived early, is indeed cold (though not frostbitten, thankfully). Huaizhu rushes to him and embraces him, sharing her warmth. This makes Hongye's heart race, and then – BAM! – he discovers another demonic skill: when his heart beats fast enough, he can stop time! Seeing his chance, and with time literally frozen, he leans in and kisses Huaizhu, all while trying to get a grip on this new power. Smooth move, Hongye!
Li Quzhu, clearly done with Qin Lan's antics, plants a listening talisman on her. When Huaizhu finds it, she cleverly uses it to her advantage, loudly singing Wangquan Hongye's praises, knowing he's listening in and loving every second of it. Smart girl!
The next day, Wangquan (looks like a typo in the source, probably meant Hongye) and Huaizhu sneak into the Zui Meng Lou. Their little spy mission is a success: they overhear the Louzhu (Pavilion Master) talking about hosting another "Lei Yao Sai" (Demon Fighting Contest) to get their hands on the "Xiwu Hua" (Evening Mist Flower).
