Almost Famous Episode 22 Recap
> Almost Famous Recap
Qu Shiyun found herself in a perilous situation, being aggressively plied with alcohol by Meng Ge, whose intentions were clearly predatory and who was taking liberties with her. Fearing for her safety, she first tried to reach Ding Dongdong, but his phone went unanswered as he was asleep. Growing more desperate, Qu Shiyun called Cheng Ming, tearfully pleading for help and promising to send her location.
However, before she could, Meng Ge forcibly pulled her away, disregarding her protests and insisting she drink more. Cheng Ming, realizing Qu Shiyun was in grave danger when the call was abruptly cut off after Meng Ge's actions, quickly began to rally their friends. Earlier that day, Cheng Ming had been discussing her disappointing internship interview at Haima Theater with Fang Yali.
Cheng Ming recounted how Director Bai, the interviewer, seemed dismissive, barely looking at her resume and interrogating her about her parents' professions, ultimately rejecting her due to her lack of background. Fang Yali then revealed her own unpleasant encounter with the same Director Bai. Her mother had arranged a dinner with Director Bai, who was a connection, and his son brazenly demanded Fang Yali perform ballet on the spot, causing her to storm out in anger.
Meanwhile, You Zhiqi had just returned to the dorms from his finished drama shoot, much to Zhang Yiyong's excitement. Ding Dongdong was still asleep. Separately, Amy and Wei Feng were discussing Amy's previous argument with Qu Shiyun. Amy felt guilty for exposing Qu Shiyun's lie about President Mi, and Wei Feng suggested she apologize. Amy, however, was still defensive, believing Qu Shiyun should apologize first for misleading everyone.
Just then, Cheng Ming called Amy and, together with Fang Yali, they quickly rallied the other friends, informing them that Qu Shiyun was in trouble at Huangchao KTV, Room 888. Upon hearing the news, all personal grievances were immediately set aside. You Zhiqi rallied Ding Dongdong, who sprang awake in alarm, and all their friends rushed to the KTV to rescue Qu Shiyun.
At the KTV, Meng Ge continued to harass a visibly inebriated Qu Shiyun, forcing alcohol on her and taking liberties. The door suddenly burst open, and their friends rushed in. Seeing Qu Shiyun's distress, Ding Dongdong, furious, immediately pulled Meng Ge away and began to furiously beat him, while Amy quickly started recording the incident on her phone. A bruised Meng Ge then threatened to ruin the Starry Arts students' careers in the industry.
However, his bravado vanished when You Zhiqi stepped forward and challenged him, asking who he was. Recognizing the famous actor, Meng Ge immediately backed down, claiming it was all a misunderstanding. You Zhiqi sternly warned Meng Ge that if he ever touched his friend again, he would ensure Meng Ge would be out of the industry for good. Meng Ge, now completely subdued, hastily left.
After the commotion subsided, Qu Shiyun, safe but shaken, broke down in tears, expressing her fear that her friends no longer cared about her. Cheng Ming reassured her that despite their arguments, they never held grudges. Amy sincerely apologized for her harsh words the previous day, admitting she had crossed a line, but also questioned Qu Shiyun's impulsiveness.
Qu Shiyun explained that her actions were driven by a desire to prove herself, and she apologized for her rashness and for previously letting her friends believe President Mi was her father, admitting she simply wished for such a supportive background. Fang Yali comforted her, telling her she didn't need such extreme measures to prove her worth.
Cheng Ming reiterated that the past was forgotten and promised that from now on, they would always be there for her, a sentiment echoed by all the girls, who reaffirmed their bond as sisters. After their friends gradually departed, Qu Shiyun confronted Ding Dongdong, expressing her hurt that he hadn't answered her calls, making her feel abandoned. He explained he was engrossed in writing a script and hadn't noticed his phone.
He then gently admonished her for putting herself in a dangerous situation. When she retorted, asking why he was lecturing her, Ding Dongdong declared it was "because I care about you." He then formally confessed his feelings, telling her he liked her and promised to always come to her aid and protect her whenever she called. Deeply moved, Qu Shiyun confirmed his promise, and then, in a heartfelt moment, kissed him.
Unbeknownst to them, some of their friends were still nearby, capturing the sweet moment with photos. The next morning, Qu Shiyun awoke with a severe hangover, only to be playfully teased by her friends, who showed her the photos of her kissing Ding Dongdong, making her blush with embarrassment. She acknowledged the previous night as a lesson learned and thanked her friends for their support.
As they ate breakfast, the friends discussed planning a short trip before their graduation play rehearsals consumed their time. Qu Shiyun, despite jokingly suggesting a ten-day trip to Europe, understood their limited schedule and agreed with the idea of a shorter getaway. Coordinated by You Zhiqi and Wei Feng, the friends embarked on their trip to the well-known Faman Manor. Zhang Yiyong, responsible for booking, proudly handled the check-in.
However, he returned with news that instead of the eight rooms they'd reserved, the manor's system had only allocated four rooms—three with large beds and one standard room—due to full weekend occupancy. Zhang Yiyong then awkwardly announced the system's "reasonable" allocation: Cheng Ming with You Zhiqi, and Amy with Wei Feng. This sparked an immediate uproar from the girls, who accused Zhang Yiyong of intentionally manipulating the situation.
Ding Dongdong, hopeful he might be paired with Qu Shiyun, had his fantasy quickly dashed by Zhang Yiyong, who told him Qu Shiyun was assigned with Fang Yali. Cheng Ming quickly took charge, proposing that the four girls share the standard room, leaving the three big-bed rooms for the boys to figure out.
The girls, excited by the prospect of a slumber party, reminisced that they had never slept together in the same bed during their entire four years of university and planned to push their beds together, cherishing this last chance before their graduation project. Despite their plans to sleep together, the friendships were quickly overshadowed by budding romances during the day. Amy declared her need for personal time and went to Wei Feng's room, where they enjoyed the spacious comfort.
Soon after, Cheng Ming received a message from You Zhiqi and also left to meet him. You Zhiqi had made up a story about visiting a powerful ancient temple to pray for career and marriage, but his true intention was simply to spend time walking with Cheng Ming. Their stroll unexpectedly led them to a cow breeding farm.
The excited farm owner, recognizing You Zhiqi as a celebrity his daughter admired, insisted they take a tour of the cow shed and even asked You Zhiqi to pose for photos with one of the cows for his daughter, which they awkwardly agreed to. This left Qu Shiyun and Fang Yali alone in their room. Inspired by Ding Dongdong's successful confession, Zhang Yiyong sought his help to declare his feelings for Fang Yali.
Ding Dongdong, as a good friend, helped him pick a secluded, scenic spot and even offered some eloquent lines, which Zhang Yiyong tried to practice, though he felt they sounded unoriginal. Qu Shiyun brought Fang Yali to the designated spot, and Ding Dongdong quickly ushered her away, leaving the couple alone. Zhang Yiyong, overcome with nerves, stumbled over his rehearsed speech, making Fang Yali laugh.
Abandoning the prepared lines, he spoke from his heart, confessing his deep affection and swearing on the nearby lake that he truly loved her. He then dramatically produced a plastic rose he had hidden and asked her to be his girlfriend. Fang Yali, who had long awaited his confession, playfully chided him for his minimalist romantic gesture in the windy, rustic setting, but ultimately accepted, telling him he'd have to make it up to her later.
Overjoyed, Zhang Yiyong enthusiastically embraced and spun her around, exclaiming that he finally had a girlfriend. Watching from a distance, Qu Shiyun teasingly complained to Ding Dongdong about his lack of a rose during his own confession, playfully demanding roses from him. With all four young couples finding love, they shared a toast, affirming their renewed confidence to pursue their dreams, with Zhang Yiyong vowing to support Fang Yali's graduation production. Amy and Wei Feng reaffirmed their joint path towards teaching, and You Zhiqi and Wei Feng celebrated their new venture as movie investor and star, respectively.
