Almost Lover Episode 22 Recap
> Almost Lover Recap
Wang, the director of Qingshan Nursing Home, requested Xiao Shangqi to postpone the residents' eviction date, citing that the original date set by Xiao Shangqi's father was too abrupt, and the situation was further complicated by a journalist, He Xiaoran. However, Xiao Shangqi firmly stated that he would strictly adhere to every clause in the contract his father had discussed, no matter the cost.
Wang then questioned if Xiao Shangqi had a prior conflict with He Xiaoran, to which Xiao Shangqi replied that it wasn't a conflict, but he hadn't expected to encounter her there. Meanwhile, Sui Mingwei was working for his mother, Fancixi, on a retail fragrance line. When Fancixi mentioned her interest in taking over the project to acquire the Qingshan Nursing Home and convert it into a hotel, Sui Mingwei realized Xiao Shangqi had returned to Wusu.
He immediately called He Xiaoran, who was already on Damang Mountain for an interview regarding the nursing home. Sui Mingwei wanted to pick her up, but she informed him she was already on her way back. Unbeknownst to He Xiaoran, her taxi had broken down on the way back to the city. It was Xiao Shangqi, wearing a raincoat, who had kindly arranged for his own car to tow her taxi.
She fell asleep during the tow and, upon arrival, accidentally dropped her recording pen, which Xiao Shangqi discreetly picked up. Later, after He Xiaoran returned, Sui Mingwei learned she had already met Xiao Shangqi. He expressed his strong dislike for Xiao Shangqi's return, proclaiming that he would make Xiao Shangqi realize that while he could return to Wusu, he could not return to the past. He Xiaoran later discovered her recording pen missing and then began working on her report.
Meanwhile, Xiao Shangqi listened to the recordings from the retrieved pen, hearing her voice express difficulty sleeping since their breakup, which saddened him. Xiao Shangqi, back at the Jifeng Hotel, discussed his plan to mortgage the hotel to fund the acquisition and renovation of the Qingshan Nursing Home.
Lin, his Vice President, reminded him that Xiao Xian had inherited all of his father's other assets, leaving only Jifeng to him, and cautioned that investing in the Damang Mountain area, which was still under development, was risky and could result in significant losses. Despite the risks, Xiao Shangqi was determined, stating his decision was final and he wouldn't be dissuaded. Lin, acknowledging he wasn't Xiao Shangqi's biological brother but a loyal companion, pledged his unwavering support through any difficulties.
As He Xiaoran’s reports gained traction and the public discussion around the nursing home became unfavorable, Xiao Shangqi decided to hold a press conference. He Xiaoran was assigned to cover it. Before the conference, Xiao Shangqi asked her not to intervene in the matter, but He Xiaoran asserted that she would not only look into it but also produce a series of follow-up reports.
During the press conference, He Xiaoran pressed Xiao Shangqi on the rehousing of the 57 elderly residents. Xiao Shangqi announced an additional 30% compensation for the residents and offered free temporary accommodation at Jifeng Hotel for those in need until suitable long-term housing could be found. He also promised to donate one percent of Qingshan Hotel's quarterly profits to local nursing homes, stating this was their way of fulfilling social responsibility.
He justified the closure by explaining that Qingshan Nursing Home had been unprofitable for seven consecutive quarters, making its closure a commercially necessary and socially responsible decision. He Xiaoran countered, asking if his plan was merely to placate reporters or genuinely solve the problem, suggesting he should consult the elderly residents themselves. After the press conference, Sui Mingwei picked up He Xiaoran, reiterating his concern about her getting involved with Xiao Shangqi.
He told Xiao Mo, Xiao Shangqi's assistant, to convey a message to Xiao Shangqi to focus on his business and stay away from He Xiaoran. He Xiaoran maintained that her interactions with Xiao Shangqi were purely professional. Sui Mingwei then pledged to help her find suitable alternative nursing homes for the elderly. Meanwhile, Zhao Mingxuan hosted a gathering where he deliberately humiliated Xiao Xian by making him pour drinks for everyone.
Xiao Xian revealed that Xiao Shangqi had mortgaged Jifeng to acquire the Qingshan Nursing Home on Damang Mountain, which, to Zhao Mingxuan's surprise, was a former hotel that Deju had sold years ago. Zhao Mingxuan gloated, stating Xiao Shangqi was merely picking up his unwanted items. He then pressured Xiao Xian to play golf with Mr. Gao, despite Xiao Xian's stated discomfort and inexperience, asserting that business required personal sacrifice.
He reminded Xiao Xian of his reliance on Deju, implying that his subordinate role was a consequence of his family's difficulties. He Xiaoran began her search for suitable alternative nursing homes, quickly realizing that Qingshan's high cost-effectiveness and good environment, despite its distance from the city, made it difficult to find comparable options. She and Sui Mingwei visited several nursing homes, posing as a couple looking for a place for Sui Mingwei's mother.
He Xiaoran expressed her gratitude for his help in her journalistic endeavors, unaware of Sui Mingwei's deeper romantic feelings for her. Lin later approached Xiao Shangqi, observing that his breakup with He Xiaoran seemed less than amicable, and learned that He Xiaoran was unaware of his father's recent death. Lin questioned Xiao Shangqi's stubbornness regarding the Qingshan acquisition.
Xiao Shangqi revealed that he was committed to fulfilling the contract his father had negotiated with Qingshan, regardless of any obstacles, hinting that his father's sudden death might have left unsaid reasons behind the deal. To expedite the residents' departure, Xiao Shangqi introduced an incentive program, offering an additional RMB 3,000 compensation to the first three elderly residents who signed the eviction agreement early. Mr. Luo was the first to secretly sign, but news quickly spread among the other residents.
He Xiaoran, alerted by Mr. Sun, arrived at Qingshan Nursing Home and confronted Xiao Shangqi, accusing him of using financial incentives to coerce the elderly, comparing his tactics to Zhao Mingxuan's. As the residents vehemently protested, an agitated Mr. Sun dramatically collapsed. Both Xiao Shangqi and He Xiaoran rushed to help, arranging for an ambulance.
At the hospital, He Xiaoran urged Xiao Shangqi to extend the eviction deadline by a month, explaining that it took two young people an entire day to visit five nursing homes, and the elderly needed more time to find new homes. The doctor confirmed Mr. Sun had chronic conditions but that his fainting was not critical. Mr. Sun, seemingly recovering quickly, demanded fruits, suggesting he might have feigned illness.
He Xiaoran warned Xiao Shangqi that while making money was understandable, the elderly have limited physical and psychological resilience, and he should proceed with caution. Xiao Mo, Xiao Shangqi's assistant, suggested involving Mr. Sun's nephew, who was very close to him, to persuade him. However, Xiao Shangqi rejected the idea, stating he would not exploit personal relationships, preferring to stick to financial compensation. Later, He Xiaoran received good news: she was nominated as the Newsmaker of the Year. Her colleague, Lili, congratulated her in advance, confirming that she had already seen the positive voting results and that He Xiaoran should prepare to accept the award.
