Episode Summary
Framed and publicly shamed by Liu Ruyan and Han Shijie, Xiu Ju is rescued by Shen Yanzhou, and the two finally commit to each other. It's revealed that Xiu Ju was executing a counter-plan all along, successfully exposing Han Shijie's fraudulent business deal and saving the Shen family from ruin. As the villains face their downfall, Shen Yanqing awakens, approves Shen Zhile's marriage to a reformed Xiao Ye, and banishes Liu Ruyan. The episode ends with Xiu Ju and Shen Yanzhou formally requesting a divorce from Shen Yanqing.
Spoiler Alert
Girls Fighting Fate E20: Xiu Ju's Masterful Counterattack
The episode opens on a desperate scene: Xiu Ju stands accused of disgracing the household, framed by the venomous Liu Ruyan. When the clan elders demand Xiu Ju be paraded in shame, Shen Yanzhou’s attempt to defend her ends with him being knocked unconscious. Powerless, Zhuang Hui can only watch in horror.
The true villains, Liu Ruyan and Han Shijie, celebrate their victory by plotting to seize the Shen family's fortune. In a brazen act of disrespect, they conspire in the unconscious Shen Yanqing's own room, with Han Shijie callously dismissing Liu Ruyan's feigned concern for her "sister" Xiu Ju.
The next day, Xiu Ju is publicly whipped and humiliated. Just as all hope seems lost, Xiao Ye, Shen Zhile, and a recovered Shen Yanzhou charge in to rescue her. Later, as Shen Yanzhou tends to her wounds, he makes a solemn vow to never let her go again, no matter what. Overcome with emotion, Xiu Ju finally accepts his love, confessing she can no longer bear her suffering in silence. She agrees to be with him but insists on one thing: she must return to formally divorce Shen Yanqing and leave with her head held high.
Their return is perfectly timed. With Shen Yanqing still unconscious, creditors are swarming the family business. Shen Yanzhou calmly pays them off using money Xiu Ju secured by mortgaging her machinery. At this critical moment, Shen Yanqing awakens.
The truth is finally revealed. Xiu Ju explains her "betrayal" was all an act. She suspected the deal with the Nanyang-based "Boss Chen" was a scam and played along with Han Shijie to expose his treachery. A remorseful Shen Yanqing admits his own stubbornness nearly destroyed the Shen family.
The consequences for the conspirators are swift. When "Boss Chen" vanishes, creditors turn on Han Shijie. He abandons Liu Ruyan and flees, only to be intercepted by Xiu Ju and Shen Yanzhou. They offer to buy his now-worthless orange groves, saving him from financial ruin but securing their own victory. Defeated, Han Shijie leaves with a parting shot, threatening that Xiu Ju will never learn the identity of her real father. His attempts to seek help from Master Jin are also rebuffed.
Meanwhile, a significant side story resolves as Xiao Ye approaches Shen Yanqing. Showing his severed finger as proof he has left the Qing Bang, he begs for permission to marry Shen Zhile. Moved by his devotion and Shen Zhile's desire for happiness, Shen Yanqing gives his blessing.
His next act is to confront Liu Ruyan. He coldly recounts how the once-pitiful woman he met has become a heartless monster, expelling her from the Shen family for her repeated attempts to harm Xiu Ju.
The episode culminates in a powerful, quiet moment. Just as some semblance of order is restored, Xiu Ju and Shen Yanzhou approach the recovering Shen Yanqing, kneel before him, and formally ask for a divorce.
