LayarHijau — The final episode of The Story of Pearl Girl premiered on November 22 for VIP users on Youku. So how did this drama end?
(The following content contains spoilers — read with caution.)
Ahead of the finale’s release, Zhao Lusi trended on Weibo after giving out red envelopes totaling 50,000 yuan to Weibo users who watched the ending, according to Upmedia.
In the last episode, Yan Zijing (played by Liu Yuning) finally avenges his family but ends up being poisoned. He tries to keep this a secret from Duan Wu. Before leaving, he plans to leave all his wealth to his beloved.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Jinran (played by Daddi Tang) arrives with an imperial decree restoring the Yan family’s honor. He also tells Yan Zijing that Duan Wu (played by Zhao Lusi) actually knows about his poisoning. This revelation pushes Yan Zijing to search everywhere for an antidote—but his efforts end in vain.
Neither wants to part, yet both are powerless. So they hide their sorrow from each other.
Duan Wu makes a new belt for Yan Zijing, while he helps her complete her final piece for an exhibition.
The two attend the lantern festival together and share a kiss. The moment is filled with tenderness. Later, they lie together in bed to rest—Yan Zijing holds Duan Wu close, his heart heavy with sorrow. Duan Wu, unable to sleep, remains silently beside him. The intimate scene brims with sadness.
Yan Zijing then cooks longevity porridge for Duan Wu as a farewell gesture. Realizing his intention, Duan Wu breaks down in tears, begging him not to leave. They cry, embrace, and finally say their goodbyes.
Although his death is never shown directly, a falling star streaking across the sky is taken as a sign that Yan Zijing’s life has come to an end.
The artwork he created with Duan Wu later wins the competition. Duan Wu’s jewelry business grows into a top luxury brand—but she eventually hands over the position to Cui Zhuohua (played by Xie Keyin).
This sorrowful ending left many viewers in tears. They felt that Duan Wu’s success came at a steep emotional cost—she lost everyone she loved, including her partner. Meanwhile, others commented that this year seems to be filled with dramas choosing to end on a sad or bittersweet note, leaving audiences heartbroken.
