Episode Summary
In episode 23, Xu Zhi's father is hospitalized after an accident, revealing he was injured while buying a book for someone else, which upsets Xu Zhi. Chen Luzhou comforts her. The arrival of Chen Luzhou's estranged biological father, Fu Yuqing, creates tension. Fu Yuqing attempts to reconcile with his son by offering his company and arranging a boxing match, hoping for a confrontation. Chen Luzhou ultimately forgives Fu Yuqing for Xu Zhi's sake, wanting to spare her from being caught in their conflict. A touching moment occurs when Xu Zhi's father cooks a special peanut-free meal for Chen Luzhou, showing his acceptance. The episode ends with Chen Luzhou reconnecting with his own mother and everyone helping Xu Zhi's father leave the hospital, their relationships subtly redefined.
Spoiler Alert
"Be Passionately in Love" Episode 23 Recap & Spoilers
The episode opens with a rush to the hospital after Xu Zhi's father injures his foot in a fall. The situation becomes complicated when Cai Yingying's father, his employer, clarifies that it can't be classified as a work-related injury. The accident didn't happen on the way to work; he had gone all the way to Songbai Road. Director Wei soon reveals the reason: he was there to buy a book for Wei Lin.
This news visibly upsets Xu Zhi. The mention of Songbai Road also stirs up emotions for Cai Yingying, who reminisces about how her own father used to sneak her sugar cakes from there, a treat her mother disapproved of. Seeing Xu Zhi’s disappointment, Chen Luzhou tenderly comforts her, promising that from now on, he'll be the one to buy her anything she wants.
A significant visitor arrives at the hospital: Fu Yuqing, Chen Luzhou's estranged biological father. In a poignant moment, Xu Zhi's father warmly refers to Chen Luzhou as his own son. Seeking to mend his broken relationship, Fu Yuqing arranges a meeting with Chen Luzhou's mother. He makes a grand gesture, offering to give his entire company, Shanchuan, and everything he owns to Chen Luzhou as a form of compensation for his years of absence. However, Chen Luzhou's mother firmly rejects the offer. She states that her son is a grown man with his own judgment and that his past can't be erased with money.
Later, Fu Yuqing gives Chen Luzhou a red envelope. Wary, Chen Luzhou refuses it until Xu Zhi's father assures him it isn't money. Xu Zhi opens it to find two tickets to a boxing match. Fu Yuqing explains that one ticket is for Xu Zhi; he hopes her presence will ensure Chen Luzhou doesn't hit him too hard when they finally face off.
This prompts a heartfelt conversation between Xu Zhi and Chen Luzhou. Xu Zhi confesses her conflicting feelings about Fu Yuqing. She remembers him as a kind uncle from her childhood who taught her how to race cars and provided crucial help to her family during their most difficult years. She finds it hard to reconcile the man she knew with the person he is portrayed as now.
Seeking resolution, Chen Luzhou meets with Fu Yuqing privately. He agrees to forgive him, but makes his reasons clear: it's not because Fu Yuqing is his father, but because he has always been a kind and supportive figure in Xu Zhi's life. Chen Luzhou doesn't want her caught in the middle of their conflict. He sets a firm boundary, stating that from this day forward, Fu Yuqing will only be "Uncle" to Xu Zhi, and nothing more.
The emotional turning points continue during a dinner at Xu Zhi's home. Her father prepares a feast, and Chen Luzhou arrives with fruit. One dish stands out: a plate of Kung Pao Chicken made without peanuts. Xu Zhi's father announces that since he learned of Chen Luzhou's allergy from his daughter, their family's recipe will now be permanently peanut-free. Chen Luzhou is deeply moved by this profound gesture of acceptance.
Later that night, Chen Luzhou finds his mother waiting for him outside his apartment. She insists they share a meal before he returns to school. Her attempt at cooking is less than successful, but it opens the door for a conversation about Fu Yuqing. Chen Luzhou jokingly claims he already "beat Fu Yuqing to a pulp" on her behalf. When his mother learns he rejected the offer of the company, she calls him a fool, suggesting he could have accepted it and given it to Xu Zhi. Chen Luzhou takes over the cooking, impressing his mother with his skills. He cheekily explains that he gets plenty of practice cooking for his "future father-in-law."
The episode concludes as everyone comes together, their bonds strengthened, to help Xu Zhi's father as he is finally discharged from the hospital.
