Circle Of Love Recap, Plot, Synopsis, Total Episodes

Circle Of Love Synopsis

The love between Gu Meng and Xiao Hongye was destined to be a deadly trap. At that time, Gu Meng was the only daughter of the richest man and fell in love with the poor boy Xiao Hongye. However, on the day of their engagement, Xiao Hongye unexpectedly wiped out Gu's entire family, leaving only Gu Meng to escape. She then discovered that their two families were bitter enemies, and everything was part of Xiao Hongye's plot.

Now, Gu Meng has returned as a vengeful person and intends to assassinate the powerful warlord Xiao Hongye. However, an accident occurs, causing her to lose her memory. Instead, she becomes a maid kept by Xiao Hongye and endures various forms of torture. Despite their completely reversed identities and the deep-seated enmity between them, they cannot help but fall in love with each other amidst manipulation, testing, crises, and protection.

After experiencing various trials, Xiao Hongye intends to let go of all misunderstandings and resentments, starting anew. However, Gu Meng regains her memory and remembers everything. She cannot forgive herself for repeatedly falling in love with her "father's killer," sinking into guilt and pain...

Circle Of Love Recap

Episode 1 Recap

Gu Meng returned to the Gu Mansion in a bright red wedding dress, only to find it engulfed in flames. She sorrowfully called out "Father," but there was no one in the Gu Mansion to respond to her.

Two years later, at a banquet, a group of men were discussing the tragic incident at the Gu Mansion two years ago. They mocked Xiao Hongye, claiming he had achieved his high position through the support of women, and that he had taken advantage of his connection with the Gu Mansion to pursue a relationship with Zhou Daishuai's daughter. Zhou Jiaojiao happened to overhear these rumors and immediately slapped one of the men who was spewing slanderous words. As the man was about to get angry, one of his companions recognized Zhou Jiaojiao as Zhou Daishuai's daughter and quickly stopped him. At that moment, Xiao Hongye descended from upstairs and informed the three men that the last person who dared to oppose him was already buried in the ground. This frightened the men, and they started slapping themselves in fear of becoming the next unfortunate soul.

On the stage, Gu Meng, her face veiled, sang with an incredibly soulful voice. Xiao Hongye couldn't help but be drawn to her, which made Zhou Jiaojiao feel uneasy. She brought up Zhou Daishuai's hope for their marriage next month, but Xiao Hongye completely ignored her. As the dance music started playing, Gu Meng gracefully danced with someone, and Xiao Hongye invited Zhou Jiaojiao to dance with him, bringing a smile back to her face. Gu Meng intentionally approached Xiao Hongye to seek revenge for the Gu family. She concealed a pistol and a dagger on her person. However, the experienced Xiao Hongye quickly took advantage of the dance and disarmed Gu Meng, accidentally bumping into her in the process. When Gu Meng regained consciousness, she couldn't recognize Xiao Hongye anymore.

Episode 2 Recap

Xiao Hongye saw Gu Meng's performance of amnesia and suspected that she was pretending. Instead of letting Gu Meng go, he pointed his gun at her. Gu Meng had completely forgotten her identity and when she saw Xiao Hongye's actions, she appeared ready to face death, which made Xiao Hongye hesitate to shoot.

Gu Meng had been trying to find an opportunity to leave, but when Zhou Jiaojiao learned that Xiao Hongye had kept Gu Meng, she felt extremely jealous. Considering herself the mistress of the military governor's mansion, she ordered someone to capture Gu Meng. However, she was unexpectedly knocked out by Gu Meng and had her clothes changed. Gu Meng lowered her hat and was about to escape when coincidentally Xiao Hongye returned and noticed the flaw. He subdued Gu Meng and took her back to the military governor's mansion.

Xiao Hongye arranged a new identity for Gu Meng. Now she is a lowly and rough servant in the military governor's mansion. Xiao Hongye grew disgusted with her because she climbed onto his bed multiple times. In order to make Gu Meng believe in this new identity, Xiao Hongye had previously coordinated with another maid to provide consistent testimony. As a result, Gu Meng started to believe to some extent. However, she still doubted her own skills because they shouldn't be present in a servant.

Gu Meng is now a maid. Not only does she have to serve dishes, but she is also required by Xiao Hongye to personally feed him. Filled with anger, she poured the wine from her cup onto Xiao Hongye, provoking his anger. He forcefully pressed her against the table and shoved something into her mouth. Zhou Jiaojiao witnessed this scene and felt a chill in her heart.

At night, Gu Meng secretly sneaked into Xiao Hongye's room, intending to steal the key to the ankle shackles. However, Xiao Hongye directly pressed her onto the bed, mistaking her for a willing maid climbing onto his bed, and approached Gu Meng without hesitation.

Episode 3 Recap

Gu Meng struggled desperately against Xiao Hongye's forceful kiss. She bit Xiao Hongye hard, causing his mouth to bleed, so he had to stop. He watched Gu Meng hastily flee and believed that she had truly lost her memory. Otherwise, considering the deep-seated blood feud between their families, Gu Meng would never give up the opportunity to kill him. But now, all she wanted was to steal the key and leave.

The next day, Zhou Jiaojiao intentionally found an excuse about a lost piece of clothing and had someone bring Gu Meng, intending to use torture on her. Just as Zhou Jiaojiao was about to whip Gu Meng, Xiao Hongye descended from upstairs and stopped Zhou Jiaojiao. He took Gu Meng to a room and asked her to undress to prove her innocence. Gu Meng felt deeply humiliated, but with Xiao Hongye pointing a gun at her, she had no choice but to comply. Gu Meng took off her coat, revealing that she was wearing a maid's uniform underneath. However, Xiao Hongye was unsatisfied and demanded she undress further. When Gu Meng revealed the corset underneath, as well as the maple leaf tattoo on her chest, Xiao Hongye couldn't bear to watch anymore. He threw his clothes at Gu Meng and told her to leave.

Xiao Hongye recalled the time when he and Gu Meng were deeply in love. Because the red maple leaf sounded like his name, Gu Meng had a special fondness for it. He also had a red leaf that they had picked up during one of their dates. He didn't want to get caught up in emotions again but couldn't control himself. He could only remind himself repeatedly in front of his parents' memorial tablets of their tragic deaths.

Xiao Hongye called Gu Meng to serve him and asked her to prepare the bathwater. Gu Meng was exhausted and accidentally spilled the water, so she had to use her own clothes to wipe it up. Only then was Xiao Hongye satisfied. He then asked Gu Meng to bathe with him, creating a conflicting mix of love and hatred. After a mere kiss from Xiao Hongye, he ordered her to leave. However, when Gu Meng heard Zhou Jiaojiao's voice, she took the initiative to kiss Xiao Hongye.

Episode 4 Recap

Gu Meng's sudden initiative greatly pleased Xiao Hongye. Just as Zhou Jiaojiao entered the room, she witnessed Gu Meng and Xiao Hongye kissing. Enraged, Zhou Jiaojiao demanded Xiao Hongye to send Gu Meng away. However, unexpectedly, Gu Meng's words stimulated Zhou Jiaojiao instead. Gu Meng claimed that Xiao Hongye enjoyed her service and that they would serve the same husband in the future, becoming sisters. Zhou Jiaojiao was unwilling to accept this, but Xiao Hongye refused to drive Gu Meng away. He deliberately stated that Gu Meng could only be a low-ranking maid, infuriating Gu Meng. However, she didn't genuinely love Xiao Hongye. So when Zhou Jiaojiao tried to assert her dominance, Gu Meng intentionally provoked her, saying that even if Zhou Jiaojiao became the legal wife and bore children, Xiao Hongye's body and soul would still belong to her, the low-ranking maid. Furthermore, as long as she remained in the Governor's Mansion, there would come a day when she would be promoted.

Zhou Jiaojiao had long regarded Xiao Hongye as her possession and was unwilling to let anyone take him away. So she wanted to send Gu Meng away, but Gu Meng desired nothing more than to provoke Zhou Jiaojiao further. Zhou Jiaojiao intended to get rid of Gu Meng, even if it meant killing her. Just as Zhou Jiaojiao ordered someone to take action against Gu Meng, Xiao Hongye appeared. In order to execute a fake plan, Gu Meng willingly endured the blow and spat out blood, falling to the ground.

Xiao Hongye took Gu Meng to a room, seeing through her scheme. He held her chin, warning her to behave and stating that without his permission, he would never let her leave. Zhou Jiaojiao became even more jealous and arranged for someone to drug Gu Meng. However, she didn't expect that when they went to catch the adulterers, it was Xiao Hongye in the bed.

Episode 5 Recap

Zhou Jiaojiao led people to catch the adulterer, but instead found Xiao Hongye on the bed. She knew that Xiao Hongye had already figured out what she had done, so she had no choice but to leave Gu Meng. While buttoning up her clothes, Gu Meng made sure Xiao Hongye saw clearly what kind of person his fiancée really was. Xiao Hongye had helped in a way, so he asked Gu Meng to show her gratitude. Unexpectedly, Gu Meng took the upper hand, caressed Xiao Hongye's face, and even flirted with him. Guilt surged within Xiao Hongye as he tidied his clothes and reminded Gu Meng that she was nothing but a lowly maid.

Zhou Jiaojiao knew that Xiao Hongye was angry with her and wanted to make peace. So she took the initiative to serve Xiao Hongye tea and water, but accidentally wet the documents on his table. It was then that she discovered Xiao Hongye had prepared a birthday banquet for her, and she became instantly happy.

Zhou Dashuai (a character's name) came to attend the birthday banquet and coincidentally saw Gu Meng. He immediately approached her and started to flirt. Just when Gu Meng didn't know how to respond, Zhou Zichen came to her rescue and advised Zhou Dashuai to be mindful of the situation, as today was Zhou Jiaojiao's birthday and it wouldn't look good for people to see them together.

Zhou Dashuai presented Zhou Jiaojiao with the latest model of a pistol as a gift and arrogantly suggested that she use it to shoot anyone she didn't like. As a result, Gu Meng became Zhou Jiaojiao's target, with an apple placed on her head waiting for Zhou Jiaojiao to shoot. In order to save Gu Meng's life, Xiao Hongye had to teach Zhou Jiaojiao how to shoot, ensuring that the bullet didn't hit Gu Meng. Suddenly, a sudden change occurred, and someone took action during the birthday banquet. Gu Meng disregarded her own life and took a bullet for Xiao Hongye.

Episode 6 Recap

The bullet hit Gu Meng below her scapula, fortunately at a distance from her heart. Although it wasn't life-threatening, it was still extremely dangerous. After the doctor removed the bullet from Gu Meng's body, he instructed Xiao Hongye to give her medication on time. She would have a fever tonight, and if she could get through it, she would be fine. Xiao Hongye personally fed the medicine to Gu Meng, but before she could swallow it, she fainted. Xiao Hongye had no choice but to administer the medicine orally. Even in her unconscious state, Gu Meng was restless because the shackles on her feet had already rubbed her skin raw and caused excruciating pain. Xiao Hongye noticed Gu Meng's discomfort and finally removed the shackles himself, applying ointment to her wounds. When Gu Meng woke up, she happened to witness this scene and felt that the bullet she took was not in vain, as she had at least obtained her freedom.

Xiao Hongye promoted Gu Meng to be his personal maid, providing her with not only her own room but also various privileges. Gu Meng thought that Xiao Hongye was a person who appeared cold on the outside but was warm-hearted on the inside. With Xiao Hongye taking good care of her, Gu Meng became a bit spoiled, even demanding that he peel an orange for her. She enjoyed this kind of life, but Zhou Jiaojiao couldn't stand it.

One day, Gu Meng was enjoying the snow in a pavilion when Zhou Jiaojiao, feeling jealous and thinking that Gu Meng was seducing Xiao Hongye, went to confront her. Unexpectedly, Xiao Hongye caught them in the act. Gu Meng took advantage of the situation and demanded the fox fur cloak that Zhou Jiaojiao was wearing. Zhou Jiaojiao couldn't swallow this indignation and that night ordered someone to throw sulfuric acid, intending to disfigure Gu Meng's face.

Xiao Hongye caught the person responsible for the attack and the person revealed that it was Zhou Jiaojiao who had instructed him to drug Gu Meng last time. Xiao Hongye then expelled Zhou Jiaojiao from the mansion.

Episode 7 Recap

Xin Fan claimed that on that day, he was dressing up as a character and casually placed the headgear on the sofa. Xiao Du and Qianjin's father happened to be sitting on that sofa, which is how the hair got on the headgear. This explanation was seamless and both Mi Yue and Qianjin seemed convinced. Just as Xin Fan, Su Du, and Qianjin's father breathed a sigh of relief, Qianjin astutely pointed out that Xin Fan usually only watched Crayon Shin-chan and wouldn't know about that character. Seeing this, Xin Fan quickly gave a secret signal, asking Qianjin's father and Su Du to leave first. However, Qianjin and Mi Yue wouldn't let them off the hook.

When Qianjin's father recruited Xin Fan as reinforcement, he had anticipated the possibility of failure and prepared a contingency plan. He wore a pained expression and admitted that he enjoyed dressing up but felt embarrassed about indulging in such a hobby at his age. He also wanted to hold onto his pocket money, so he had been keeping it a secret. Qianjin didn't expect her father to be so pitiful and offered to give him money since she was earning her own. Su Du also shared the same hobby and happened to encounter Qianjin's father at the entrance of the comic exhibition. At that time, he had deceived Mi Yue into going out for a meeting and then attended the exhibition. Therefore, he had made an agreement with Qianjin's father to keep it a secret.

In this interrogation, Qianjin's mother's influence was actually present. After all, she had been married to Qianjin's father for decades and was familiar with his quirks. She had already suspected that he might seek external assistance and deliberately made Qianjin and Mi Yue lower their guard, while secretly observing the secret communication methods between men and then planning her move to counter the enemy.

Episode 8 Recap

The close relationship between Gu Meng and Zhou Zichen stung Xiao Hongye's eyes. So Xiao Hongye mocked Zhou Zichen, the son of a grand general, for not even having a maid to serve him. He couldn't believe Zhou Zichen had set his sights on a maid from the General's Residence and reminded Gu Meng that she was just a servant. Gu Meng told Zhou Zichen that she would prepare the things Zhou Jiaojiao needed. Zhou Zichen understood that Gu Meng was hinting at helping her deliver food to the people in prison.

Xiao Hongye was angry with Gu Meng and let her walk back on her own. When he saw her being hit by a yellow carriage, he stopped voluntarily and wanted Gu Meng to get in the car. However, Gu Meng was already angry and completely ignored him, walking towards the General's Residence by herself.

Gu Meng took the pastries and brought a token, pretending that Xiao Hongye had sent her to deliver food. She successfully found the man and he pretended to have a message for his mother. He restrained Gu Meng and took off the hairpin from her head, using her as a shield to walk out of the prison cell. Although Xiao Hongye stubbornly claimed that Gu Meng was not important to him and warned the man not to dream of escaping, the man intended to kill Gu Meng. Xiao Hongye couldn't afford to lose, so he had someone prepare things, but the man realized that something was amiss. Gu Meng also realized this, so she turned her head slightly, allowing Xiao Hongye to shoot the man. However, the man reacted quickly and grabbed the gun from the person next to him, shooting Xiao Hongye's arm. Xiao Hongye then killed him with a single shot.

Gu Meng only then realized that the man was the leader of the assassination plot against Xiao Hongye, disguised as a refugee attempting to escape. Fortunately, Xiao Hongye had seen through his disguise. Thanks to remembering Xiao Hongye's teachings to obey orders in critical moments, Gu Meng managed to save her own life. Xiao Hongye didn't like the taste of medicine, so Gu Meng fed it to him with her mouth.

Episode 9 Recap

Xiao Hongye enjoyed it when Gu Meng fed him the medicine with her mouth, but he regretted it afterwards. In his dream, he saw his mother reproaching him, saying he was unworthy to be a descendant of the Xiao family, and that he was actually falling in love with the enemy's daughter. Xiao Hongye was in great pain, so he locked himself in the study, repeatedly copying books to remind himself not to forget the hatred.

Gu Meng knew nothing about all of this. She carefully added sugar to the medicine and brought it to Xiao Hongye, but to her surprise, he got angry and threw the things against the door.

Gu Meng could only leave dejectedly with the medicine. Zhou Zichen found Gu Meng and apologized for the incident that put her in danger that day. She claimed that she didn't know about it and would never let Gu Meng be in danger intentionally. Gu Meng thought that she misjudged people and didn't blame Zhou Zichen, but it provoked Xiao Hongye to mock her for being naive and unable to see Zhou Zichen's true colors.

Today is the anniversary of Xiao Hongye's mother's death. Gu Meng was deliberately arranged to clean the ancestral hall. Looking at the array of memorial tablets, she felt heartbroken for Xiao Hongye's loneliness. Suddenly, Xiao Hongye appeared and startled Gu Meng, causing her to drop the memorial tablet she was holding. This angered Xiao Hongye, who then made Gu Meng kneel as punishment while he knelt in the ancestral hall. The deputy officer realized that Xiao Hongye was punishing himself and reminded him that some things were beyond his control, such as his feelings for Gu Ru.

Xiao Hongye made up his mind to set everything back on track. He personally went to the Grand Marshal's Mansion to welcome Zhou Jiaojiao back and set a wedding date for ten days later. Gu Meng continued to kneel as a punishment until she fainted, and then Zhou Zichen carried her away.

Episode 10 Recap

Zhou Zichen brought Gu Meng back to the room and took care of her for the night. Xiao Hongye really wanted to go and see her, but he forcibly stopped himself. Zhou Jiaojiao noticed that Xiao Hongye still cared about Gu Meng, so she deliberately provoked a conflict between Zhou Zichen and Gu Meng. When Xiao Hongye went to see Gu Meng, she sincerely apologized to him and wished him happiness and a prosperous future. Xiao Hongye asked if this was Gu Meng's true feelings. Gu Meng couldn't speak up because she still cared about Xiao Hongye.

Gu Meng had just gotten out of bed when Zhou Jiaojiao assigned her to bring pastries. Zhou Zichen felt sorry for Gu Meng and secretly slipped a pastry into her hand. Xiao Hongye saw this and immediately felt jealous. He told Gu Meng to go help Zhou Jiaojiao, and Zhou Jiaojiao took the opportunity to mock Gu Meng, saying that she could never reach Xiao Hongye and that she would soon become the mistress of the Commander's Mansion. Gu Meng was combing Zhou Jiaojiao's hair when Zhou Jiaojiao moved and pulled her hair, causing Gu Meng to slap her back. The two women started fighting, which attracted the attention of Xiao Hongye and Zhou Zichen.

Zhou Jiaojiao stubbornly demanded that Xiao Hongye help her vent her anger by scratching Gu Meng's face. Zhou Zichen quickly stepped in to protect Gu Meng and said that Gu Meng was also a hindrance to Xiao Hongye and Zhou Jiaojiao's relationship. She then asked Xiao Hongye to give Gu Meng to her. Xiao Hongye initially thought that Gu Meng wouldn't want to leave the Commander's Mansion, but a deeply hurt Gu Meng chose to go with Zhou Zichen. Xiao Hongye could only watch from the window as Zhou Zichen protected Gu Meng and helped her into the car, feeling a deep sense of reluctance that he couldn't put into words.

Episode 11 Recap

Zhou Zichen brought Gu Meng to a private residence in Dong Street. This house was not as big as the Governor's Mansion; it only had one bedroom. Zhou Zichen arranged for Gu Meng to stay in the room, which made Gu Meng feel uncomfortable. She wanted to sleep in the living room instead. Zhou Zichen immediately politely stated that he was not that kind of person and insisted that Gu Meng, whose old injuries had not fully healed, should stay in the bedroom while he slept in the living room.

That night, it started snowing heavily. Gu Meng finally left the Governor's Mansion, but she wasn't happy about it. She opened the window, looked at the snow falling all around, and couldn't help but think of Xiao Hongye. She comforted herself, thinking it was just because she wasn't used to it yet, and convinced herself to go to bed. At the Governor's Mansion, Zhou Jiaojiao deliberately mentioned in front of Xiao Hongye that Zhou Zichen had brought Gu Meng to the private residence. It was clear that they were hiding their relationship, and their wedding might be arranged together. Xiao Hongye felt very uncomfortable hearing this. He excused himself with official business, left Zhou Jiaojiao, and walked away. However, at night, he opened the window and looked at the snow falling all around, also missing Gu Meng.

Zhou Zichen specially prepared Western food to confess his feelings to Gu Meng. Gu Meng understood his intentions and quickly interrupted, saying that she felt a strong sibling-like bond with Zhou Zichen and wanted to become sworn siblings. Zhou Zichen was dissatisfied, but Gu Meng firmly refused. Helpless, Zhou Zichen could only say that they would remain friends in the future.

Xiao Hongye learned that there had been several recent cases of girls going missing in Xijie. These people were likely related to the assassination attempt on him during the banquet. Therefore, he ordered a thorough investigation. Dong Street had nothing to do with this matter, but since Xiao Hongye really wanted to see Gu Meng, he found a reason to patrol and decided to take a walk in Dong Street.

Episode 12 Recap

Zhou Zichen accompanied Gu Meng in selecting scented creams at the makeup store, while Xiao Hongye took Zhou Jiaojiao to pick out lipsticks. As Xiao Hongye watched Zhou Zichen getting close to Gu Meng, he playfully applied lipstick to Zhou Jiaojiao and deliberately asked Gu Meng how it looked. Gu Meng praised Xiao Hongye's skill, subtly belittling Zhou Jiaojiao, which angered her.

Zhou Zichen quickly bought the scented cream and took Gu Meng to eat wontons while he went to buy soda. When Zhou Zichen returned to the stall, Gu Meng had already gone missing. Xiao Hongye had received news about the missing girls and originally intended to solve the case, but Zhou Zichen informed him about Gu Meng's disappearance. He quickly went to look for her. When he saw the scented cream intentionally left on the table and noticed that the cream had been applied in certain places to guide him, he followed the trail and arrived at an abandoned house. Through a crack in the door, he saw Gu Meng tied up.

Without hesitation, Xiao Hongye pushed open the door to approach Gu Meng, but she desperately shook her head, signaling him not to come closer. Xiao Hongye paid no attention and was only awakened when someone fired a gunshot. He found a concealed spot, deliberately threw out clothes to draw the enemy's fire, and took the opportunity to move to another location. When the two gunmen arrived at the previous spot to kill Xiao Hongye, they accidentally killed their own companion, and the remaining one was taken out by Xiao Hongye with a single shot.

There were landmines under Gu Meng's feet, and she urged Xiao Hongye to leave and not worry about her. However, Xiao Hongye couldn't bear to do so and decided to take her place. He rescued Gu Meng. Gu Meng was willing to die together with Xiao Hongye, but he instructed her to place a corpse on top of the landmine instead. Then, under the pretense of needing another body, he asked Gu Meng to find another one. However, when Gu Meng was in a safe position, he suddenly jumped away and was stunned by the explosion of the landmine. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured. When Zhou Zichen learned that despite his careful arrangements, he failed to take Xiao Hongye's life, he became extremely angry.

Episode 13 Recap

Xiao Hongye knelt in front of his parents' memorial tablet and told them that although the Gu family was utterly reprehensible, they had already received punishment. Gu Meng was the only survivor of the Gu family, so he asked for her to accompany him and requested his parents' forgiveness for his unfilial behavior.

Just as Gu Meng finished dressing up, Xiao Hongye arrived uninvited without even knocking on the door. This made Gu Meng feel a bit uneasy, but Xiao Hongye believed that the entire mansion belonged to him, and he could go wherever he pleased. He even took out the ancestral jade pendant of the Xiao family and offered it to Gu Meng. However, Gu Meng felt that it was inappropriate and suggested that he give it to his future wife instead, thus rejecting Xiao Hongye's gesture. Xiao Hongye understood that Gu Meng was concerned about her status and immediately canceled his wedding with Zhou Jiaojiao the next day. Zhou Jiaojiao wanted to give Xiao Hongye another chance, but he had already made up his mind and sent her back.

When Gu Meng saw that Xiao Hongye decisively sent Zhou Jiaojiao away, she was deeply moved. She then accepted the jade pendant he had given her. Xiao Hongye specifically instructed the kitchen to cook chicken soup for Gu Meng, but unfortunately, she felt a bit nauseous and couldn't drink it. So Xiao Hongye had all the appetizing pastries from the street bought for her, which touched Gu Meng even more.

Zhou Dashuai came to vent his anger for Zhou Jiaojiao and harshly slapped Xiao Hongye. He also gave Xiao Hongye an ultimatum: either marry Zhou Jiaojiao or kill Gu Meng. Xiao Hongye chose neither and managed to persuade Zhou Dashuai to drop the matter. When Gu Meng and Xiao Hongye's feelings deepened, they naturally became husband and wife. Just when their relationship reached its peak, Gu Meng received a letter stating that it was indeed Xiao Hongye who had wiped out the entire Gu family.

Episode 14 Recap

When Xiao Hongye returned home, Gu Meng took the initiative to invite him for a drink. During their conversation, she asked about her family and wanted them to bless their wedding. However, Xiao Hongye expressed that he didn't need his parents' approval because he genuinely loved Gu Meng. Gu Meng wanted to know how she ended up as a maid in the General's mansion and who her parents were. Before she could ask, Xiao Hongye kissed her, silencing her questions. Gu Meng intentionally drank a lot of alcohol with Xiao Hongye and waited until he was somewhat drunk before asking if he had ever killed old people or women. Xiao Hongye replied that those were the people who deserved to die, and that's when he would take action.

Gu Meng got into the carriage of the General's mansion and disappeared from the Governor's mansion. When Xiao Hongye learned the news, he believed that Zhou Jiaojiao had harmed Gu Meng. Without hesitation, he led his men to forcefully invade the General's mansion, pointing his gun at Zhou Jiaojiao. However, Zhou Jiaojiao informed him that Zhou Dashuai was not at home and the carriage was being used by Zhou Zichen.

Xiao Hongye changed course and went to find Zhou Zichen. As expected, Gu Meng was with Zhou Zichen. She wanted to know the truth about the tragedy that happened to the Gu family. Zhou Zichen provided many newspapers, and the photo in Gu Meng's hand proved that she was indeed a member of the Gu family. Seeking the truth, Gu Meng hid in Zhou Zichen's residence and eavesdropped on the conversation between Zhou Zichen and Xiao Hongye. She learned that Xiao Hongye was indeed involved in the tragedy of the Gu family and couldn't accept it, fainting to the ground.

Zhou Zichen took Gu Meng to the hospital and unexpectedly learned that she was pregnant. He decided to respect Gu Meng's choice, but then Xiao Hongye also arrived at the hospital.

Episode 15 Recap

Xiao Hongye rushed to the hospital and warned Zhou Zichen to stay away from Gu Meng. However, Zhou Zichen had ulterior motives and was unwilling to comply. She intentionally mentioned that she and Gu Meng had many secrets between them, mocking Xiao Hongye for deceiving Gu Meng. She claimed that Gu Meng would eventually leave him. This angered Xiao Hongye, who instructed Cheng Ming that if Zhou Zichen came within three feet of Gu Meng, he should shoot her directly. Seeing that Xiao Hongye was serious, Zhou Zichen dared not cause trouble anymore.

Xiao Hongye gently stroked Gu Meng's hair, which made her uncomfortable. She then used the excuse of wanting to eat an apple and asked Xiao Hongye to peel it for her. Xiao Hongye sensed that Gu Meng was not in the mood to interact with him today and decided to let her go home to rest. After all, the hospital was not safe. However, while making arrangements, he unexpectedly learned from the doctor that Gu Meng was pregnant. Xiao Hongye recalled that Gu Meng had stayed in the eastern alley with Zhou Zichen before and had seen Zhou Zichen leaving Gu Meng's room in the Governor's mansion. He suspected that the child in her womb was Zhou Zichen's, so he held Gu Meng back as she tried to board Zhou Zichen's carriage, wanting to find out who the father of the baby was.

Gu Meng claimed that the child had nothing to do with Xiao Hongye. Xiao Hongye refused to let Gu Meng leave and carried her back to the mansion. Zhou Zichen wanted to pursue them, but fearing the gun in Cheng Ming's hand, she chose to give up. Xiao Hongye concluded that Gu Meng had cheated on him, and although Gu Meng didn't deny it, she refused to express her love for Xiao Hongye again. In the end, Xiao Hongye forcefully made Gu Meng swallow abortion pills, completely ignoring her pleading to keep the child in her womb. Gu Meng was in excruciating pain, crying bitterly, and her hatred towards Xiao Hongye grew stronger.

Episode 16 Recap

Xiao Hongye was alone in the ancestral hall of the Xiao family, drowning his sorrows in alcohol. He couldn't understand why he had genuine feelings for Gu Meng, but she repeatedly betrayed him. In Xiao Hongye's world, he could only keep Gu Meng by his side, whether it was love or hate. That night, Xiao Hongye dreamt that Gu Meng wanted to leave him. Startled, he woke up and immediately had Cheng Ming prepare various gifts to be sent to Gu Meng's room. He hoped that Gu Meng would forgive him. However, Gu Meng had grown to hate Xiao Hongye deeply and hysterically drove him out of the room, silently shedding tears herself.

The next day, Gu Meng received a secret letter sent by Zhou Zichen and immediately escaped through the window. Zhou Zichen was surprised at how easily Gu Meng could leave the Governor's mansion. Gu Meng told her that the mansion had long stopped guarding her. As the city gate was within sight, Xiao Hongye noticed Gu Meng's departure and ordered the city to be sealed. Gu Meng and Zhou Zichen realized the situation was unfavorable and wanted to go somewhere else to hide, but Xiao Hongye had already found them and brought them back to the Governor's mansion.

Zhou Zichen repeatedly tried to take Gu Meng away, angering Xiao Hongye. Xiao Hongye wanted to kill Zhou Zichen, but Gu Meng wouldn't allow it. She pointed Xiao Hongye's gun at herself, forcing him to release Zhou Zichen. Xiao Hongye was determined to keep Gu Meng and had intentions of taking advantage of her. Tearfully, Gu Meng revealed the truth about the annihilation of the Gu family. It was then that Xiao Hongye understood the root cause. However, they couldn't bring themselves to kill each other. In order to end the torment, Gu Meng chose to end her own life. When she woke up, she no longer recognized Xiao Hongye.

Episode 17 Recap

Gu Meng woke up and had forgotten about her dream-like past. She only remembered herself as Gu Meng. She didn't recognize Xiao Hongye and found it strange that she was in the hospital, so she asked about her father. Xiao Hongye lied to her, saying that her father had gone out and taken her personal maid, Dong'er, with him. He also told her that they were already married. Gu Meng didn't believe him. Xiao Hongye told her that there was a tattoo of a red leaf with his name on her shoulder. At this moment, Zhou Zichen was eavesdropping outside the door.

Everything went back to square one. Xiao Hongye took Gu Meng back to the military governor's residence. However, because Gu Meng had lost her memories of Xiao Hongye, she was a bit afraid of him and remained on guard. But Xiao Hongye took care of her in every possible way.

At night, Gu Meng was confused about everything that was happening. At that moment, Xiao Hongye knocked on the door of the room. Gu Meng was unsure of what to do, but in the end, Xiao Hongye slept on the floor, guarding her in her state of amnesia.

The next day, Xiao Hongye took Gu Meng for a stroll. Dong'er, who had become a beggar, happened to see them by the roadside and followed them to the entrance of a clothing store. She peeked from outside.

Episode 18 Recap

Dong'er saw Gu Meng trying on clothes in the fitting room while Xiao Hongye was not there. She ran behind the curtain to inquire and claimed that Xiao Hongye was a murderer. At that moment, the curtain was lifted, revealing Xiao Hongye himself. It turned out that Xiao Hongye had seen every move Dong'er made just now. He had instructed Gu Meng to go inside the fitting room while he waited for Dong'er to appear. However, Dong'er's sudden appearance surprised Xiao Hongye as well. Dong'er tried to run away, but she was knocked unconscious and taken for questioning by Cheng Ming.

Xiao Hongye personally cooked in the kitchen, accompanied Gu Meng while she read, gave her a red leaf, watched fireworks with her, and even gave her a little doll. They watched a street performance together, and the fire during a fire-breathing act triggered some images in Gu Meng's mind, causing her to panic. At that moment, the performer suddenly drew a knife and attacked them. Xiao Hongye got injured on his arm while trying to save Gu Meng.

Gu Meng bandaged Xiao Hongye's wound. Xiao Hongye pretended to be in pain and cold, hoping to gain sympathy. Gu Meng softened her heart and didn't let him sleep on the floor.

Xiao Hongye went to see Dong'er to inquire about who had sent her. Dong'er claimed that nobody sent her and insisted that if she hadn't died, she would expose Xiao Hongye. She repeatedly stated that she had seen Xiao Hongye press the detonator. Upon hearing Dong'er's words, Xiao Hongye expressed his gratitude, as he now understood that there was more to the massacre at the Gu family's residence years ago.

Episode 19 Recap

It turned out that on the night of their wedding, Xiao Hongye had instructed Cheng Ming to set up explosives, but at a crucial moment, he chose to abandon the plan. However, it was already too late. By the time they returned, the explosives had been detonated.

Xiao Hongye suspected that there was someone behind the scenes. This person had taken Gu Meng away in the past and trained her to become an assassin. They were also responsible for a series of recent assassination attempts.

During a conversation between Cheng Ming and Xiao Hongye, Gu Meng overheard their discussion. Gu Meng then learned that today's assassination was intentionally arranged by Xiao Hongye as a ruse. Back in the room, Gu Meng was angry and threw away the doll Xiao Hongye had given her. Xiao Hongye rushed to explain, but Gu Meng questioned whether trust wasn't the most important thing in a marriage. Should love be maintained through deception and lies?

At night, Gu Meng was in her guest room when suddenly there was thunder and a heavy rainstorm outside. Images flashed through Gu Meng's mind once again. Xiao Hongye hurried over and stayed by her side, reciting her favorite sonnet from Shakespeare's "Sonnet 14". Finally, Gu Meng started to believe in their love.

Based on Dong'er's description, a portrait of the person who detonated the bomb was drawn, but the face was unclear. However, the person was wearing a special ring.

Episode 20 Recap

Dong'er's door was suddenly knocked on, and when it was opened, a man wearing a special ring appeared. Dong'er's throat was slit by this person, who turned out to be Zhou Zichen. It turned out that when they were on the street earlier, Dong'er had bumped into Zhou Zichen while following Gu Meng and Xiao Hongye, but she didn't know who he was, while Zhou Zichen recognized her.

Gu Meng was reading the newspaper when she was informed that Dong'er had returned, so she hurriedly went to see her. At that moment, Xiao Hongye was by the dying Dong'er's side. Upon hearing Gu Meng's voice, he quickly hid Dong'er in the wardrobe, wiped away the bloodstains, but accidentally revealed a piece of clothing. Afterwards, Xiao Hongye looked at the portrait and guessed that this person should be Zhou Zichen.

Gu Meng recalled the scene in the room just now and sensed that something was wrong. She returned to the room and opened the wardrobe, only to find a set of clothes inside. When she walked back to the living room, she saw a servant girl whose back resembled Dong'er's and immediately called out to her. However, when the servant girl turned around, it wasn't her, and Gu Meng finally felt relieved, thinking that everything was just a coincidence.

At this moment, Xiao Hongye returned from outside and brought Gu Meng a letter from her father. It turned out that Xiao Hongye had forged the letter imitating Gu's father's handwriting, just to reassure Gu Meng. Xiao Hongye took this opportunity to confess his feelings to Gu Meng, and she blushed slightly, asking him to come see her again at night.

At night, Gu Meng used the art of shadow play to express her feelings to Xiao Hongye and affectionately called him "Mr."

Episode 21 Recap

Gu Meng was painting a portrait of Xiao Hongye in the study, and Xiao Hongye was delighted to see it. The two of them were sweet and affectionate. Xiao Hongye took Gu Meng out on a date, and they released sky lanterns together at night. They once again confessed their feelings for each other and spent a romantic night in the carriage.

In the morning, at the entrance of the Governor's Mansion, Gu Meng encountered Zhou Jiaojiao. There was a quarrel between them, and Zhou Jiaojiao pushed Gu Meng, causing her head to hit the steps and faint. Gu Meng fell into a coma, and scenes from the past kept flashing in her mind, impacting her one after another. Eventually, she woke up in the midst of a raging fire. Xiao Hongye quickly embraced her.

Episode 22 Recap

Gu Meng recovered physically and appeared unusually calm. Xiao Hongye suddenly received a transfer order to leave Luo City, but he felt that things were not so simple. At this moment, Zhou Dashuai suddenly visited with Zhou Jiaojiao. Gu Meng entertained Zhou Dashuai and his daughter for a meal in the mansion, exchanging polite words. During the meal, several people left the table one after another, leaving only Gu Meng looking at the clock not far away.

Zhou Dashuai returned drunk and saw Gu Meng about to engage in improper behavior. Just as Xiao Hongye returned and witnessed the scene, he flew into a rage and hit Zhou Dashuai. Unexpectedly, Zhou Dashuai suddenly coughed up blood and lost his breath. Zhou Jiaojiao cried out that Xiao Hongye had killed Zhou Dashuai. At that moment, Zhou Zichen suddenly burst in with soldiers, accusing Xiao Hongye of murder. Xiao Hongye understood that this was a setup and quickly took Gu Meng and left. They escaped to the courtyard, but Gu Meng fell down and was seized by Zhou Zichen.

Episode 23 Recap

Zhou Jiaojiao was killed by Zhou Zichen while trying to save Xiao Hongye, and Cheng Ming knocked Xiao Hongye unconscious and took him away.

It turns out that all of this was a scheme set up by Gu Meng and Zhou Zichen. However, Gu Meng only wanted to leave, and everything else was done maliciously by Zhou Zichen. Gu Meng questioned him because of this. However, Zhou Zichen brought up what Gu Meng had said when she saved him years ago, as well as the destruction of the Gu family and the loss of their child, in order to provoke pain in Gu Meng's heart and make her hate Xiao Hongye even more. The two of them planned again to deal with Xiao Hongye.

Zhou Zichen and Gu Meng planned to hold a wedding to lure Xiao Hongye out.

During the wedding ceremony, Xiao Hongye indeed appeared. Xiao Hongye proposed that he would give up everything as long as Gu Meng left with him. Xiao Hongye threw out the seal of authority, distracting Zhou Zichen's attention and allowing Gu Meng to come to his side. However, at this moment, Gu Meng took out a handgun from the bouquet of flowers and pointed it at Xiao Hongye.

Episode 24 (Ending) Recap

Three gunshots rang out, the bullets piercing Xiao Hongye's body. Gu Meng said, "The first shot is for the Gu family, the second is for our child, and the third is for myself. Meeting Xiao Hongye was the beginning of all the mistakes." However, Xiao Hongye did not fall. He staggered towards Gu Meng and used his clean sleeve to wipe away the bloodstains from her face.

It turns out that Xiao Hongye had known long ago that Gu Meng had regained her memories. He didn't expect to survive today's encounter. He was willing to die by Gu Meng's hand. Gu Meng said she couldn't forgive herself for hating him so much and loving him at the same time. Let their love, hate, and grudges end in this lifetime. After speaking, she raised the gun in her hand and shot herself in the temple.

At this moment, Zhou Zichen ran back to Gu Meng and asked why she wanted to commit suicide, why she had lost her memories several times, but eventually fell in love with Xiao Hongye, and what was lacking in himself compared to him. But Gu Meng was already unable to answer.

Zhou Zichen admitted to everything he had done in the past and that he was the one who pressed the detonator. He also revealed the cause of the grievances between the Xiao and Gu families. He confessed that he did all of this out of jealousy towards Xiao Hongye, who could easily obtain everything while he could only exist like a shadow, dispensable. After speaking, Zhou Zichen pulled out the gun from his waist, intending to kill Xiao Hongye, but he was shot in the forehead by the gun Xiao Hongye had hidden earlier, instantly ending his life.

Two years later, amidst the raging war, Xiao Hongye saw a nurse named Xiao Meng who looked exactly like Gu Meng. They locked eyes, tears shimmering in their gazes...

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