Almost Famous Episode 14 Recap
> Almost Famous Recap
Reporter Wang was already suspicious about You Zhiqi's year-long disappearance and began to wonder if You Zhiqi had really gone abroad as You You claimed, despite You You's explanation that he was suffering from jet lag after returning from his studies. You You tried to convince him, reiterating that they had announced You Zhiqi was studying overseas a year ago, but Reporter Wang countered that if it were true, the company would have heavily promoted it.
He dismissed You You's suggestion of an article about You Zhiqi's return as trending news, stating it was "far from enough." To appease him, You You had Xiao Liu give Reporter Wang a red packet, and she promised that any future exclusive news about You Zhiqi would go to him first.
Reporter Wang accepted and left with Xiao Liu, but after Xiao Liu saw him out, Reporter Wang changed his mind and returned to the company, convinced that You You was hiding something and hoping to uncover a bigger story. Inside, a heavily intoxicated You Zhiqi recalled a painful past conversation with Cheng Ming.
In his memory, Cheng Ming had accused him of being preoccupied with his own fears and neglecting her desires, emphasizing that she simply wanted them to face challenges together.
When he asked if they could start anew now that he had returned, she unequivocally refused, telling him that he was the one who left and came back, and it took her a year to adapt to life without him, so his return didn't mean she would be waiting in the same place. Still disoriented by alcohol, You Zhiqi was then escorted by Xiao Liu to You You's office, where Reporter Wang secretly followed and began filming.
You Zhiqi, mistaking You You for Cheng Ming, began to pour out his feelings. You You initially thought he was expressing gratitude for her support, but her expression turned to shock as he continued, "I like you. Can we be together?" Reporter Wang seized the moment, rushing in to take photos and instantly generating potential scandalous headlines such as "Shocking! A newbie became an entertainment big shot's sugar baby" and "Shocking! A newbie was tragically abandoned."
You You angrily confronted him, threatening to sue for slander if he published falsehoods. However, You Zhiqi, still disoriented, perceived Reporter Wang as bullying "his woman" and lunged at him. A chaotic struggle ensued with You You and Xiao Liu trying to intervene, while Reporter Wang, enraged, warned You Zhiqi that he would regret this and then fled. Once You Zhiqi sobered up, You You was furious, scolding him for hitting someone and making the situation much worse.
She pointed out that this wasn't merely trivial news, but a scandal about an agent embracing a professional entertainer, which crossed a professional line and could ruin both their careers. You Zhiqi, however, was dismissive, believing that a year out of the spotlight meant the incident wouldn't cause a significant stir. Meanwhile, Amy returned to her dorm to find only Qu Shiyun there.
Qu Shiyun informed her that Cheng Ming had gone to see You Zhiqi and returned looking distraught before running out. Worried, Amy found Cheng Ming sitting alone on the bleachers at the track field. When asked what was wrong, Cheng Ming confided that she had tried to understand someone by looking at the stars but failed, concluding that stars, like some things, are "out of reach."
Amy encouraged her, advising that failure is not scary; rather, giving up without trying is. Qu Shiyun and Fang Yali soon joined them, bringing midnight snacks that Zhang Yiyong had bought for Fang Yali. The friends shared food and laughter, successfully lifting Cheng Ming's spirits. Qu Shiyun, preparing for an audition, still enjoyed the snacks and declared her goal to become a "world-class superstar."
Fang Yali, who had become noticeably more cheerful and talkative lately, changed the subject to her dream of attending a dance school in England, explaining her unwavering dedication to dance despite the physical pain, as it allows her to express her emotions. The next day, Amy met with Wei Feng, who revealed his intention to pursue a postgraduate degree and stay at Starry Arts to become a teacher.
Amy shared her own plans to open a hip-hop studio with a friend, also aspiring to be a teacher. Wei Feng affectionately teased her, calling her a "little kid," but then gave her a gift, explaining it was his "answer to her," before gently nudging her to attend the graduation musical selection, as Professor Li Shuangbai would be waiting.
During the graduation musical discussion, Professor Li Shuangbai and Professor Dao Xiaoxian presented several classic musicals like "Chicago," "Cats," and "Les Miserables" for consideration. Students showcased their talents, with Qu Shiyun performing a segment from "Cats," and others presenting various acts, including Amy, Cheng Ming, and their friends performing a song and dance routine.
However, Ding Dongdong proposed writing an entirely new musical that would incorporate all their college experiences to truly represent their youth and conclude their time at university, a suggestion that garnered widespread approval. It was then that students started noticing the breaking news on their phones, with You Zhiqi's scandal dominating the top five hot searches.
Headlines screamed about "Former Top Young Hunk You Zhiqi Kept by Sugar Mommy Agent," "You Zhiqi Got Drunk and Abused Others Late at Night," and "You Zhiqi attacked a reporter." The friends were appalled, though Cheng Ming struggled to believe the accusations. President Chen called You You into his office, expressing deep disappointment. He informed her that while the company had wanted to fire her, he had intervened, but she was now suspended for further examination.
You Zhiqi was to be confined to the company premises. You You pleaded for an opportunity to clarify the situation, emphasizing the negative impact on the company, but President Chen dismissed her. Devastated, You You learned the full truth from You Zhiqi, who finally showed her his medical diagnosis: Post-traumatic stress disorder and Nyctophobia, a difficult psychological illness he had been secretly treating in Japan for years.
Feeling guilty for not being more attentive, You You apologized for not knowing and promised to handle the public relations crisis, urging him to rest. However, the situation quickly worsened. Reporter Wang released a video online, cosmetically enhancing his injuries to appear severely beaten, claiming You Zhiqi had attacked him out of anger for his exposé and urging netizens to boycott You Zhiqi.
Fangirls turned on You Zhiqi, while Cheng Ming and her friends were enraged by Reporter Wang's malice and the widespread cyberbullying. They observed how quickly temporary fans abandoned You Zhiqi when he faced trouble. Fang Yali suggested they leave supportive messages online, believing that even changing one person's opinion would make their efforts worthwhile. You You tirelessly tried to mitigate the damage, making calls to various contacts.
A brand director demanded compensation and refused to delay replacing You Zhiqi as an endorser. You You tried to suppress hot searches and offered other artists' news to reporters in exchange for not publishing more damaging stories. She firmly told Reporter Wang and Reporter He that the rumors were fake and she would sue them if they continued to write baseless reports. Outside the company building, a crowd of protesters gathered, loudly chanting, "You Zhiqi, leave the entertainment industry!" Seeing the chaos, Cheng Ming, deeply worried, sent a text message to You Zhiqi, asking, "You Zhiqi, where are you? I want to see you."
