Episode Summary
Jian Mingshu races to deliver a hairpin to Liu Yuanying before her performance, delayed by Lu Wencai but aided by Lu Chang's musical distraction and Song Qingzhao's intervention. After Liu Yuanying's successful performance, jealousy arises, but Jian Mingshu defends her. Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang reveal their undercover identities to Song Qingzhao, sparking perceived jealousy from Lu Chang when Liu Yuanying observes Jian Mingshu and Song Qingzhao chatting. Liu Yuanying reveals Lu Wencai is blackmailing her using her brother's jade pendant. Lu Wencai later harasses Jian Mingshu, leading to Lu Chang injuring him in defense and subsequently sharing a bed with Jian Mingshu due to his injury. To gain Liu Yuanying's trust and expose Lu Wencai at the upcoming Enyin Banquet, Jian Mingshu, Lu Chang, and Song Qingzhao stage a love triangle drama, leading to some real emotions surfacing and Jian Mingshu getting slightly injured.
Spoiler Alert
"Serendipity" Episode 9 Recap: Schemes, Sparks, and Sprained Ankles?
Right off the bat, things get tense. Our girl Jian Mingshu is rushing to deliver some crucial jewelry (specifically, a fancy hairpin called a buyao) to Liu Yuanying before she goes on stage to perform. But guess who decides it's the perfect time for a chat? The ever-slimy Lu Wencai. Ugh, that guy. Liu Yuanying is understandably freaking out backstage as her performance time ticks closer.
Stepping up like the hero he is (sometimes!), Lu Chang jumps on stage and starts playing music to distract the guests and buy some time. Seriously smooth move. Just when Jian Mingshu thinks she's totally stuck dealing with Lu Wencai, Song Qingzhao swoops in like a knight in slightly-less-shiny armor and draws Lu Wencai away. Phew! Jian Mingshu finally makes it to Liu Yuanying with the hairpin just in the nick of time. Lu Chang finishes his piece, and Liu Yuanying's performance goes off without a hitch, dazzling everyone.
But drama doesn't rest, does it? After the show, a character named Ye Rong gets super jealous of Liu Yuanying stealing the spotlight and accuses her of seducing Lu Wencai. Jian Mingshu, witnessing this, jumps in – not exactly pouring oil on troubled waters, more like fanning the flames for the right reasons. She passionately defends Liu Yuanying, pointing out that everyone knows what a creep Lu Wencai is and Liu Yuanying is clearly being forced. She appeals to female solidarity, saying they shouldn't blame Liu Yuanying when they can't change Lu Wencai. This whole exchange is overheard by Wang Xiuyun (presumably Lu Wencai's wife or related to him), who was coming to confront Liu Yuanying but has a sudden change of heart after hearing Jian Mingshu's words and quietly backs off. Go, Mingshu!
Later, Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang have a secret meeting with Song Qingzhao, confirming they're undercover using the identities of a married couple who are street performers. As fate would have it, Liu Yuanying walks by and sees Jian Mingshu chatting animatedly with Song Qingzhao. She clocks Lu Chang looking pretty miffed, though Jian Mingshu seems completely oblivious to the potential jealousy brewing.
Liu Yuanying later pulls Jian Mingshu aside to thank her properly. Jian Mingshu, bless her heart, asks the obvious question: why put up with a guy like Lu Wencai? Liu Yuanying sadly explains her difficult situation, hinting at her low social status ("born of lowly status"). The real kicker? Lu Wencai is blackmailing her using a jade pendant that belonged to her younger brother. She's never even met this brother, but the threat is enough to force her compliance. Liu Yuanying then warns Jian Mingshu not to get too friendly with Song Qingzhao, pointing out Lu Chang might get jealous. Jian Mingshu awkwardly brushes it off, saying he wouldn't. Oh, honey...
Meanwhile, Song Qingzhao's mother is worried sick after the Lu family's banquet, terrified her son might actually be interested in the "frivolous" Lu San Niangzi (likely connected to Lu Wencai). Song Qingzhao surprises his parents by suddenly acting super mature, wanting to discuss court politics with his dad. They're stunned, but his real motive? He needs to seem responsible so he can get out of the house more easily to help Jian Mingshu and Lu Chang. Sneaky, but for a good cause!
Wang Xiuyun is mulling over Jian Mingshu's words about solidarity when Lu Wencai storms in, accusing her – likely assuming Liu Yuanying complained to her. Wang Xiuyun reflects bitterly on her own unhappy marriage to the greedy, lecherous Lu Wencai, forced upon her by her family.
And speaking of Lu Wencai, his creep-o-meter goes off the charts when he corners Jian Mingshu again, even getting handsy. Lu Chang sees this and, understandably, loses it, punching Lu Wencai. Lu Wencai, furious, threatens to deal with them after the banquet. In the scuffle, Lu Chang gets hurt. Back in their room, Jian Mingshu, seeing he's injured, tells him to sleep on the bed (implying they usually sleep separately). So, yep, they end up sharing the bed! Progress?
The plot thickens when Liu Yuanying, completely misreading the situation, assumes Song Qingzhao is Jian Mingshu's childhood sweetheart and cooks up a whole dramatic backstory in her head. Jian Mingshu, needing to maintain her cover, just has to awkwardly smile and nod along. Talk about complicated!
Song Qingzhao shows up again at the Lu residence, eager to see Jian Mingshu. He walks in only to find her feeding the injured Lu Chang. Ouch. You can practically see the little jealousy cloud forming over Song Qingzhao's head.
Jian Mingshu is getting along well with Liu Yuanying, but Liu Yuanying is still cagey about anything related to "Liu Xiankun" (presumably the brother connected to the jade pendant). Lu Chang figures their priorities are: 1) Help Liu Yuanying confirm her brother is safe, and 2) Make her realize how dangerous her situation with Lu Wencai is and that they are the only ones who can help her escape.
Lu Chang hatches a plan: use the upcoming Enyin Banquet as an opportunity for Liu Yuanying to expose Lu Wencai's crimes. Kill two birds with one stone, very strategic. However, Liu Yuanying is understandably wary. Jian Mingshu suggests a risky strategy: convince Liu Yuanying that Song Qingzhao is deeply, passionately in love with Jian Mingshu and willing to do anything for her. If Liu Yuanying believes that, she might trust them. Song Qingzhao is totally game (hmm, wonder why?), and Lu Chang grits his teeth and agrees.
So, they stage Act I of Operation: Fake Romance. In front of Liu Yuanying, Song Qingzhao fusses over Jian Mingshu, even massaging her supposedly injured foot (did she actually hurt it, or is that part of the act too?). Liu Yuanying sees this and frantically tries to stop Lu Chang from witnessing the scene. Too late! Lu Chang bursts in, and he and Song Qingzhao put on a big show of fighting over Jian Mingshu. It's mostly acting... but maybe with a sprinkle of genuine feelings bubbling up?
After Song Qingzhao leaves, Lu Chang notices Jian Mingshu did actually hurt her foot during the charade. His protective instincts kick in, and he gets genuinely worried, saying he doesn't want her getting hurt and maybe he should send her away for her own safety. But Jian Mingshu stands her ground. She tells him he's incredibly important to her too, and she's willing to take these risks for him. Aww!
And that's where Episode 9 leaves us! Lots of scheming, misunderstandings, burgeoning feelings (real and fake), and danger lurking around every corner. What will happen at the Enyin Banquet? Will the plan work? We'll have to wait and see!
