Assistant of Superstar Episode 21 Recap
> Assistant of Superstar Recap
Following his decision to start anew, You Xi’s acting teacher, Jiang Shaoyan, informed him that his fundamentals had significantly improved and it was time for practical application. However, the roles Jiang Shaoyan arranged were minor parts in legal education shows and a music video, a stark contrast to his former leading-man status. During these shoots, he faced indignities like being misidentified as "You Deng" and being told by busy makeup artists to do his own makeup.
Despite the challenges, You Xi remained resolute, confiding in Yao Yao that he understood his teacher's intent was to help him shed his superstar aura. He affirmed that no matter how small the role, he would perform it to the best of his ability, after which Yao Yao offered to help him remove his makeup. You Xi's manager, Zhu Da Zhuang, called, urging him to come to the office for a meeting with a company interested in an endorsement deal.
There, You Xi and Zhu Da Zhuang met Mr. Wang, the General Manager of Huanyu Technology. Surprised by the offer given his current circumstances, You Xi questioned their choice. Mr. Wang explained that months ago, his company's new mobile phone was failing due to a lack of advertising funds. However, a single, casual Weibo post from You Xi using their phone had unexpectedly boosted their product, causing sales to skyrocket and saving the company.
Now, with a new product launching, Huanyu Technology wanted You Xi as their brand ambassador, an offer they gratefully accepted. You Xi’s parents arrived for a surprise visit, focusing all their attention on Yao Yao. His mother playfully chided You Xi for not telling them about his relationship, admitting she learned about it from gossip news. After praising Yao Yao's beauty, they revealed their true purpose: to meet her father, the distinguished academician Professor Yuchi Lin Sen.
During a dinner with both families, You Xi's father presented Professor Yuchi with a valuable antique. He then declared that no gift could compare to Yao Yao, whom Professor Yuchi was "giving" to his son. You Xi's mother openly stated their reason for the visit was "to settle the marriage of these two kids" and recounted You Xi's childhood awards to prove he was a worthy match.
The two fathers bonded over Baijiu, with You Xi's dad emphatically declaring, "I'm definitely getting this daughter-in-law!" Yao Yao joined the celebration, while You Xi watched on, feeling like a bemused outsider at his own family gathering. Later that night, the family went to a karaoke bar where his parents sang old songs and Yao Yao serenaded You Xi. The evening ended with You Xi carrying a heavily intoxicated Yao Yao home.
The next morning, an exhausted You Xi complained that he had been up all night cleaning up after his parents and Yao Yao, all of whom had been sick from the drinking. Over breakfast, You Xi asked when his parents planned to return to Australia. They jokingly claimed they would stay for a few years before clarifying their sole purpose was the marriage proposal, and they would now leave the couple in peace.
As they left, You Xi’s mother playfully told Yao Yao that this was You Xi's "first love," mortifying her son. Afterward, Yao Yao teased You Xi, who confidently retorted that he was a "natural talent" and didn't need prior experience. You Xi practiced a scene as a delivery person with Yao Yao, who critiqued his performance for its lack of authenticity.
Later, his teacher, also dissatisfied with his portrayal, instructed him to gain firsthand experience by working as a delivery driver. While on a delivery, You Xi received an impatient call from Zhu Da Zhuang, who excitedly informed him that acclaimed director Wei Ran was holding auditions for a new film. Returning home, You Xi shared the good news with Yao Yao. He proudly showed her the script, which contained only a single line: "Your mother passed away."
Free from his past ego, You Xi insisted that with heartfelt execution, even one line could be legendary. He explained his character was a comrade who often mocked the timid Guan Zhong, but must now deliver the news of his mother's death. Yao Yao suggested the character should convey empathy, as a fellow soldier far from home. Taking her feedback to heart, You Xi felt he now understood how to approach the role.
At the audition for the historical drama "Chancellor Zhong," You Xi lined up with the extras for the role of "Soldier A." His presence caused a stir, which intensified when Song Qie Ge arrived to audition for the male lead. Song Qie Ge approached You Xi and cruelly mocked him, suggesting he was a "humble and struggling" ant that he could crush at any moment. You Xi calmly held back an incensed Yao Yao, stating that arguing was pointless.
After his audition, You Xi was called back by the assistant director, Wang Kai, to read lines with the main actors. In an unexpected pairing, he performed opposite Song Qie Ge. While Song Qie Ge's delivery was straightforward, You Xi's interpretation was more profound: the news of his comrade’s loss awakened his own character's dormant grief, causing him to shed a tear for his own mother.
Impressed, the director asked them both to consider how they would play the grieving son before ending the session. Later, You Xi confirmed to Yao Yao that he had passed the audition. Back home, Yao Yao found You Xi diligently writing his memoir. When she asked why he had resumed the project, he explained that he was filled with inspiration and was including his profound insights on acting, life, and, most importantly, their love story.
Yao Yao playfully suggested he use more evocative phrasing to captivate readers. Later, You Xi and Yao Yao pranked Zhu Da Zhuang when he visited, pretending to be destitute to practice for a scene. After the reveal, a briefly annoyed Zhu Da Zhuang presented the real reason for his visit: an invitation for You Xi to appear on a variety show, "Founding of the Three Kingdoms," as a last-minute replacement for another actor.
You Xi was hesitant until he learned the other guests were Song Qie Ge and Shen Yiling. Zhu Da Zhuang explained the show wanted to create buzz by featuring casts from two rival dramas and taunted that if You Xi didn't go, Song Qie Ge would claim he was afraid. Provoked, You Xi declared, "I'm scared of them? I have to go!"
