‘Rise of Phoenixes’: Ep. 46 – 50 Recaps — Happy but Not Really

All right, this is the beginning of the end of all hopes and dreams. It’s just going to be tears, broken hearts, and horrible dancing from now on.

EPISODE 46 – 50 RECAPS

First thing first, we are introduced to a new character in this arc, an intelligent and courageous woman who is Yan Huaishi’s fiancee and Zhiwei’s new BFF. She kind of fits with Yan Huaishi too, they’re both super smart and their hearts are in the right place.

Another new character: Chang Zhongxin. Let’s just say he’s not the smartest villain in this show.

Moving on to our couple, it seems that all that reluctant cuddling has done its job on them, or I should say on NING YI. Because Ning Yi and Zhiwei are now officially talking about their future! *throws confetti*

I’ve got to ask, though, didn’t Zhiwei’s mom specifically ask her to stay away from Ning Yi?

Anyway, during the mission, some people, including Ning Yi, are taken ill because of water contamination, which leads to a whole lot of confessions from more than just two people.

On one hand, we have Ning Yi mustering every ounce of his strength and courage and wit to say one thing: I like you. To which, Feng Zhiwei — afraid that he might just faint if she delays her answer — says yes. Yes! It’s official. We may put a label on them now. 

On the other hand, Helian Zheng got Zhiwei to notice him more, but he has less luck than Ning Yi because, well… we all know why. Ya can’t force love even if I do think Helian Zheng’s character compliments Zhiwei in a way that Ning Yi doesn’t.

But besides the fact that a physician is caught in a really awkward situation with a teen romance and all, Helian Zheng and Zhiwei’s relationship doesn’t resolve too badly. They’re still friends.

Zhiwei takes care of Ning Yi until he is well again despite the disease being transferable. I think you only catch it if you drink from the same cup, though, which I don’t see them doing. 

Back at home, things aren’t as rosy in the garden. Feng Hao and Zhiwei’s mom are captured and now Zhiwei’s real REAL identity as a princess of the previous dynasty is in danger of being discovered.

The emperor — super pissed off now — gives the job of investigation to Xin Ziyan and Ning Qi. Oh great, this is like a dream come true for Ning Qi. Now we gets to see how ruthless the emperor can be to the people he doubts.

He suspects that Xin Ziyan has been keeping the truth from him all this time, which is true, so he takes Ziyan’s wife hostage in order to make sure Ziyan does the job right. Despite his calm front, Xin Ziyan is freaking out inside and this might influence the fair judgement he usually possesses!

And on Ning Qi’s side, you can just tell from the way this guy drinks his milk tea that nothing good will come out of this investigation.

COMMENTS

Well, we all wanted happiness and a sensible ending for Zhiwei and Ning Yi, but it is what it is. It’s not just about the tragic direction the story is heading, it is the fact that it’s being made tragic by characters we’re not really invested in and have not been given enough screen time or background to make any emotional impact. Good thing the acting in here really sells.

Aside from the main plot, the character of this mom and everything that concerns her confuses me to no end. One minute, Zhiwei was sobbing and choking and making an oath never to have anything to do with Ning Yi without asking why, but now when she accepts Ning Yi’s affection, the drama doesn’t show us that she’s worried about what her mom will think. So how important was that “oath” exactly? And how much should we worry about the mom’s interference should Ning Yi and Zhiwei decide to go public?


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