Almost Famous Episode 20 Recap
> Almost Famous Recap
Wei Feng encouraged Amy to go meet Mi Dongnan at his office, which helped ease her mood. When Amy arrived, Mi Dongnan was visibly nervous. Amy reassured him, explaining that she only wanted to understand what kind of person her father was, as her mother hadn't told her anything. Mi Dongnan apologized for the suffering she endured over the years, offering to make up for everything.
However, Amy asserted that a father's love and a lonely childhood could not be compensated for. She questioned why he never sought her out and why he had been so heartless to abandon her and her mother. Mi Dongnan explained that Amy reminded him of her young mother, both "egoistic and stubborn," but he never intended to abandon them. He said he was poor at the time but brave in pursuing his dreams.
However, he realized he couldn't provide the future Ai Li deserved, so he chose to let her go, a decision he regretted for a lifetime. He revealed he had cherished a photo of Ai Li for 20 years, always hoping to reunite with her, and discovering Amy's existence brought him immeasurable happiness. He gave Amy the photo, hoping it would not just be a tattered memory in her heart.
Meanwhile, Cheng Ming, Qu Shiyun, and Fang Yali discussed the female lead role for their graduation play. Cheng Ming and Qu Shiyun were both eager for the lead, which put pressure on them. Fang Yali, however, remained indifferent, stating that she merely wanted to perform well in any role that interested her, especially after not getting into the Royal Ballet. During the intense audition process, Cheng Ming, burdened by pressure, didn't perform at her best, which surprised everyone.
Unexpectedly, Fang Yali was chosen as the female lead, while Cheng Ming and Qu Shiyun became other principal actresses. Qu Shiyun was disgruntled and questioned why she wasn't selected. Ai Li, having recovered from a minor car accident, prepared to return to the United States for her various commitments, despite Amy's pleas for her to stay longer.
Amy suggested Ai Li meet with Mi Dongnan again, but Ai Li dismissed it, saying they were "ancient history" and that both were to blame for their past. Amy then showed Ai Li a photo Mi Dongnan had treasured for two decades, expressing her hope that her parents would find happiness and have no regrets. Ai Li admitted Mi Dongnan was handsome but unreliable in the past, and advised Amy to find a reliable partner like Wei Feng.
Just then, Mi Dongnan arrived, engineered by Amy as a "palliative plan," to send Ai Li off. He seized the opportunity to apologize sincerely for letting her go years ago, admitting he was wrong and had stayed in the same place for two decades, hoping she would return. He confessed his desire to give Amy a complete family and pleaded for another chance, creating a poignant and exciting scene for the family.
Amy playfully encouraged her mother to accept, warning that someone else might "steal" her "handsome and rich man" if she hesitated. Mi Dongnan vowed not to let Ai Li go this time, and seeing a potential reconciliation, Amy and Wei Feng left them. Wei Feng then shared his exciting news: Professor Li Shuangbai had offered him a graduate student position in music theatre, a major he always loved but couldn't pursue due to family reasons.
Amy promised her full support for his dream. You Zhiqi joined the production crew for a small, low-budget film titled "Never Let You Go." Despite the director being renowned, funding shortages created tough conditions. Cheng Ming visited him on set, concerned by the hardship, but You Zhiqi was unfazed. He savored the chicken soup Cheng Ming brought, which her father had prepared, finding comfort in her care.
You Zhiqi explained that he was deeply moved by the script and the male lead, Lu Chuan, feeling a strong personal connection that made him believe he was the character's prototype. He had volunteered to act for free, convincing the director with his insights, including his past experiences with "dark fear syndrome." His agent, Youyou, was displeased, viewing the unpaid role as damaging to his career and future commercial prospects, but You Zhiqi was resolute in his commitment.
Meanwhile, after a meeting where Mi Dongnan offered his support for Amy's and Wei Feng's future endeavors, the film's producer, Fang Zheng, burst into Mi Dongnan's office seeking urgent investment. Mi Dongnan, who had not planned for this, asked for the project details to be evaluated. Wei Feng later met separately with Fang Zheng to understand the project further.
He then visited You Zhiqi, commending his changed demeanor and dedication to the project despite the difficulties and his willingness to help with manual labor. You Zhiqi reiterated his commitment, stating he wouldn't abandon the film and would perform his best, determined to raise awareness about PTSD through the film.
Later, Amy and Mi Dongnan were sharing a meal in the school canteen when Zhang Yiyong and Fang Yali spotted them and began speculating that Amy was using an "old man" for connections as a shortcut. Amy confronted them, calling their minds "filthy" and defending Mi Dongnan's appearance. As Mi Dongnan left for a meeting, he casually stated, "Dad will pick up the tab for the next meal."
This revelation stunned Zhang Yiyong and Fang Yali, who realized Mi Dongnan was Amy's father, not Qu Shiyun's, and that Qu Shiyun had previously misrepresented gifts from Mi Dongnan as coming from her own father. Zhang Yiyong was eager to spread the "explosive news," but Amy implored him not to, fearing the negative impact on Qu Shiyun, with whom they had shared a dormitory for years.
Though Zhang Yiyong initially agreed to wait until after graduation, he couldn't keep the secret and later told Ding Dongdong. Ding Dongdong was astonished but also felt a surge of excitement, interpreting it as validation of his creative perception that Amy had achieved success independently, not through connections. Cheng Ming struggled with her disappointment at not securing the female lead role, especially after declining another opportunity from Director Lin.
You Zhiqi comforted her, reminding her of her unique talent and the importance of all roles, not just the lead. He shared his own feelings of powerlessness as his film's production had halted due to lack of funds, despite his desire to raise awareness about PTSD through it. He encouraged her, saying that even if she wasn't the lead, she should excel in her assigned role for herself.
Reinvigorated by his words, Cheng Ming resolved to dedicate herself fully to her character and began rehearsing with You Zhiqi, both of them embracing their dreams and the hard work required to achieve them.
