Assistant of Superstar Episode 20 Recap
> Assistant of Superstar Recap
Pan Duo returns to the film set, but her day is quickly soured by the arrival of Shen Yiling, who taunts her about You Xi's demotion and points out that his former private dressing room now belongs to another actor. Shen Yiling escalates the confrontation by threatening to post an unflattering photo of Pan Duo online. Just as Pan Duo is about to retaliate, Qi Chao appears.
He coolly bluffs Shen Yiling by mentioning a non-existent recording of her assistant, warning her to delete the photo or risk a career-damaging scandal. Shen Yiling reluctantly complies. Pan Duo is touched, believing Qi Chao sacrificed important evidence for her, only for him to reveal it was a blank file. Amused, Pan Duo teases him, suggesting their telepathic connection led to his timely rescue and joking that he should stay to watch her upcoming "bed scene."
Meanwhile, unaware of the hate mail he has been receiving, You Xi is cheered by fake fan letters that Yao Yao has been secretly writing for him. His brief moment of happiness is shattered when Zhu Da Zhuang calls to reveal the truth: the real letters are from anti-fans. Plagued by vicious online comments calling him a "loser," You Xi spirals.
In a mall, he overhears patrons praising his rival Wen Moxuan's surging popularity and sees a director berating a young actor, a scene that deeply resonates with his own insecurities. The final blow comes when he witnesses his own large advertisement banner being taken down and replaced by one featuring Wen Moxuan, leaving him completely dejected. Concerned, Yao Yao calls Qi Chao, who admits that this is a battle You Xi must fight on his own.
Tormented by the public criticism, You Xi resolves to start over. He asks Qi Chao to take him to Jiang Shao Yan, a legendary acting coach known as "the walking acting textbook." Upon arrival, Jiang Shao Yan immediately launches into an intense, impromptu acting test, accusing You Xi of heinous acts to gauge his reactions. Initially bewildered, You Xi quickly adapts to the eccentric method.
He begins a period of grueling training under Jiang's unique guidance, where he is forced to cry on command, deconstruct his own persona, and memorize complex ancient poetry to sharpen his skills as an actor. After days of exhausting training, You Xi returns home to a meal prepared by Yao Yao. Despite the food being nearly inedible, he forces it down, proclaiming it delicious simply because she made it.
Delighted, Yao Yao offers to cook for him daily, an offer he playfully evades. They plan a weekend of thrilling activities like bungee jumping and scuba diving. To Yao Yao's humorous distress, You Xi turns a simple skateboarding lesson into a rigorous "warm-up" before announcing the even more daunting "main activities" to come. Elsewhere, Shen Yiling meets with Song Qie Ge.
Sarcastically remarking that Yao Yao seems destined for the female lead role, Shen Yiling reveals her real target is Pan Duo, who is auditioning for the supporting role of Madam Xumu. Recalling how she once turned a supporting role into a lead in her first film, Shen Yiling vows to crush Pan Duo and get revenge for past humiliations. One day, You Xi arrives at Jiang Shao Yan's house to find his lesson canceled due to a guest.
Mistaking this for another of the master's acting tests, You Xi bursts into the living room, ready to perform, only to find himself face-to-face with the renowned director Wei Ran. Mortified by his blunder, You Xi apologizes and quickly leaves. After his departure, Jiang Shao Yan praises You Xi's immense talent and perception to the director, strongly recommending him for the lead role in Wei Ran's new film, "Chancellor Zhong."
Separately, Song Qie Ge tries to poach Zhu Da Zhuang, arguing that You Xi is a "lost cause" and that Zhu Da Zhuang should join Shidai Entertainment rather than "sink with the ship." Zhu Da Zhuang scoffs at the offer, accusing Song Qie Ge of being shameless and jealous. He declares his loyalty to You Xi, stating he cannot work with someone who uses "underhanded and self-serving methods."
He tells Song Qie Ge the reason he always loses to You Xi is because You Xi has genuine emotion and passion, while Song Qie Ge will always be a "cold, icy piece of merchandise." Back home, You Xi diligently analyzes his past performances, pulling Yao Yao into re-enacting scenes to find new ways to portray his characters, from a determined cop to a man forced to kill his lover.
As he demonstrates a more nuanced kiss for a romantic scene, the doorbell rings. It's a distraught Pan Duo, crying over online hate about her acting. You Xi offers some practical advice about the nature of fame, but Pan Duo plays on their sympathy to stay for a movie. Not wanting a third wheel, You Xi cleverly sends her to Qi Chao's, suggesting the "Best Actor" could help her practice her scenes.
At Qi Chao's, a drunk Pan Duo demands he judge whether she or another actress is better, performing a dramatic proposal scene to prove her point. She then insists he rehearse a difficult kissing scene with her. Qi Chao refuses, stating he no longer acts. Pan Duo playfully argues that he would steal You Xi's roles in idol dramas and that they would make a perfect on-screen couple. Exhausted and emotional, she murmurs how much she misses his bed before falling asleep in his arms.
