Almost Lover Episode 20 Recap
> Almost Lover Recap
He Xiaoran went to speak privately with Mr. He and learned that he had not been informed of the program's cancellation beforehand. Although Mr. He was sad to lose the show he had managed for half his life, he was powerless to stop the NRTA's decision. Because of this, Mr. He decided to take early retirement. Sui Mingwei, realizing he had wrongly accused Mr. He, felt regretful and decided to organize a farewell gathering to apologize properly.
He Xiaoran's hope in Xiao Shangqi dwindled with each passing day. She was immensely disappointed when she realized he would not be returning to Wusu. Though she knew she should respect his choices, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had been abandoned by him. Sui Mingwei invited He Xiaoran to move back into the loft, reminding her it was her permanent home in Wusu. However, He Xiaoran wanted to see through the seven-day promise she had given Xiao Shangqi.
When He Xiaoran returned home, she saw the lights on and excitedly thought Xiao Shangqi had returned. To her disappointment, it was a Jifeng employee who had come to retrieve an urgent document Xiao Shangqi had forgotten, using a spare key he had left behind. The employee apologized for the intrusion, as He Xiaoran hadn't answered her phone. Meanwhile, Zhao Mingxuan met with Mr. Gao, who was considering a partnership with Yunlan.
Zhao Mingxuan attempted to disrupt this potential collaboration by insinuating that Xiao Shangqi was unreliable and that his past actions were a "scheme of trickery" to ensnare Mr. Gao's company. He warned Mr. Gao to be cautious, emphasizing that with Xiao Zhenyun gone, Yunlan had lost its foundation, and its hotel business was in disarray. Zhao Mingxuan even offered to introduce a superior operator that "crushed Yunlan." Xiao Xian and Xiao Shangqi sat amongst their father’s belongings, recalling old memories.
Xiao Xian identified pictures of Zheng Haoping, Yunlan's first employee and their parents' wedding groomsman, and Mr. Wang Song, a man their father had helped during his darkest times. He explained that for the funeral, they would only invite family and the "brothers who fought beside father," excluding business contacts for dignity. Xiao Shangqi pointed out an item their father used as a bookmark.
They reminisced about making a birthday card for him and how, after a certain incident years ago, they stopped celebrating his birthdays. Xiao Xian recalled how Xiao Shangqi used to complain about the complexity of his given name, "Qi," and would often be scolded for shortening it. Xiao Xian reassured Xiao Shangqi that their father had always held high hopes for him, comparing him to a mythical Qilin.
Xiao Shangqi expressed deep regret over how much he had misunderstood his father, realizing it was now too late. Zhao Mingxuan tracked down Chen Fei'er, whom Xiao Shangqi had hidden in a hotel. He wanted to ascertain if she possessed any damaging information that could jeopardize his plans. Chen Fei'er candidly told him she was now destitute and without support, and not foolish enough to "throw an egg at a rock" for minor gains.
She reminded him of her years of sincerity by his side, portraying herself as a "sacrificial pawn" in the failed wedding. Zhao Mingxuan, while stating he had genuinely liked her, offered her a choice: return to his side. He made it clear she would not be "Mrs. Zhao," but he would ensure her well-being and resolve her issues with her parents, calling her his "best trophy" in his ongoing conflict with Xiao Shangqi.
He then questioned whether a woman like her truly cared about a mere title. Concerned that He Xiaoran might be overwhelmed by grief, Sui Mingwei and Li Hui rallied around her. Li Hui explained that Sui Mingwei had been secretly standing guard outside He Xiaoran's door every night, leaving before she woke up. Li Hui had brought her guitar and, after some initial hesitation, played and sang a song, declaring her intention to try playing again rather than "serving dishes."
She wanted to be a "role model" for He Xiaoran, demonstrating that "nobody can't live without someone else." Sui Mingwei, seeing through Li Hui's pretense, playfully suggested she had "practiced all night." As the seven-day deadline passed with no contact from Xiao Shangqi, He Xiaoran acknowledged she could no longer make excuses for him. She later reflected on "Goodnight," the new iteration of Dajiabang under Wenwen, realizing it was thriving with "rich content and attitude."
This observation led her to understand that sometimes, letting go allows things to improve. She then decided to move back into the loft. Xiao Zhenyun's funeral was a somber affair. Many invited guests, including long-time associates like Zheng Haoping, Wang Song, and Liu Wen, sent their regrets, citing illness or other commitments.
Xiao Xian lamented the cold reality that "people cool off when the person's gone," observing that his proud father had passed away with "no one to send him off." Mr. Gao arrived late, explaining that no one dared to "openly take sides" against Deju in the current climate, and he too had to "temporarily put aside" his cooperation with Yunlan.
He acknowledged Xiao Shangqi's ambition but advised him to "not show all your cards" in the business world, holding him responsible for Yunlan's predicament. However, he also offered a glimmer of hope, stating that "every low point may hide a hidden chance to break through." After everyone had left the cemetery, Chen Fei'er approached Xiao Shangqi. She laid a bouquet of flowers and implied she was there to reassess her alignment.
Xiao Shangqi understood she was assessing his current situation to decide whether to align herself with him or Zhao Mingxuan. When she asked if the wish he wrote in the time capsule was sincere, he affirmed it was when he was eighteen but added that now, "I only love He Xiaoran alone." While speaking, Chen Fei'er noticed a tie clip on Xiao Shangqi.
Later, the lawyer read Xiao Zhenyun's will, stating that the Xiao family villa would be inherited by the elder son, Xiao Xian, while other assets, including Yunlan shares, would be split equally. Xiao Xian commented that his share of the company was larger because the will hadn't been updated, but Xiao Shangqi dismissed any concern for the inheritance. Xiao Shangqi expressed his deep concern over the "many suspicious points" surrounding their father's death and Yunlan's perilous situation.
He confessed to Xiao Xian that he hadn't contacted He Xiaoran because he didn't know what to tell her, feeling he continuously disappointed her by being unable to offer "even the simplest company." Xiao Shangqi admitted his suspicion of Zhao Mingxuan, describing him as having "ulterior motives" and being difficult to pin down. Xiao Xian, however, urged him to prioritize "protecting Yunlan."
Returning to Zhao Mingxuan's home, Chen Fei'er found the door code unchanged and instructed the housekeeper to pretend she hadn't been there. She quickly went to the wardrobe, recalled the tie clip she had seen on Xiao Shangqi at the cemetery, and confirmed that Zhao Mingxuan's tie clip was indeed missing.
When Zhao Mingxuan unexpectedly returned, Chen Fei'er declared her decision to stay with him, stating that after witnessing the "sad" funeral, she realized Xiao Shangqi's stubbornness would only lead to self-destruction and harm to others. Despite Xiao Shangqi having "done so much for me," his heart was no longer hers. She asserted her unwillingness to "bet herself into a losing game over past feelings," choosing to align with Zhao Mingxuan, even "without a title." Zhao Mingxuan found her declaration surprisingly devoted and, with a knowing smile, remarked that her return would make "beating him more interesting."
