Assistant of Superstar Episode 22 Recap
> Assistant of Superstar Recap
Following up on their agreement to appear on a talk show, You Xi and Pan Duo prepared to face their rivals, Song Qie Ge and Shen Yiling. Feeling the pressure, You Xi assured his agent, Zhu Da Zhuang, that he had studied Sun Tzu's "Art of War" and devised numerous strategies to ensure their success.
As the show began, the host introduced the cast of "The Founding of the Three Kingdoms", including Zheng Jia Er, Pan Duo, and You Xi, alongside the cast of "Falling Apart", Song Qie Ge and Shen Yiling. When asked about filming challenges, Song Qie Ge spoke of the necessary hardships of acting, but Pan Duo interjected, noting his frequent appearances on Weibo's trending topics for minor issues like catching a cold, implying he exaggerated for attention.
Song Qie Ge deflected, attributing it to media hype, before steering the conversation to rumors that You Xi had started delivering takeout after being shelved. While the host tried to move on, You Xi candidly admitted to it, explaining that he used the time for self-reflection. He stated that while he couldn't change his past, he was determined to take responsibility for his future.
Quoting Lu Xun, he expressed his resolve to re-emerge as a "new me" who would surprise everyone, rather than fading away in silence. After You Xi's segment, Pan Duo spoke about her ambition to become a great actress. Shen Yiling then offered feigned sympathy, mentioning the online trolling Pan Duo endured for her acting and patronizingly noting that new artists have a long journey ahead.
Pan Duo cleverly turned the tables, acknowledging Shen Yiling’s seven-year career but subtly highlighting that many actresses her age had already won multiple awards while Shen Yiling was consistently just a runner-up. Pan Duo then brought up recent online rumors about Shen Yiling’s demanding behavior, such as insisting on Michelin three-star meals, causing chaos for film crews, and even making her assistant drive to another city late at night for stinky tofu, mocking that Shen Yiling's "goddess filter" had shattered.
Backstage, while You Xi and Pan Duo celebrated their successful confrontation, Zhu Da Zhuang reminded them that the show's second half included a segment where they had to call the first person in their phone contacts and say, "I miss you." You Xi decided to call his girlfriend, Yao Yao, brushing off Zhu Da Zhuang’s concerns about her sensitive identity.
Later, Shen Yiling entered their lounge uninvited, mocking You Xi for being reduced to a nameless supporting role while Song Qie Ge was the male lead. She arrogantly declared that she and Song Qie Ge were the undisputed choices for the leads in Mr. Wei Ran's new movie. The show's second half began with the phone call segment. Shen Yiling called a young fan, and Zheng Jia Er's call to her mother was cut short.
Song Qie Ge’s emotional call to his university mentor seemed pre-arranged. When it was Pan Duo’s turn, she called her idol, Qi Chao, who curtly said he was "too busy" and hung up. Finally, You Xi called Yao Yao. After an initial busy signal, Yao Yao called him back.
Unaware she was on air, she sweetly told him she had just finished class and was going to the cafeteria to buy him his favorite red bean cakes and other snacks, their affectionate and natural connection charming the audience. After the show, a frustrated Pan Duo sought out Zhu Da Zhuang to complain about Qi Chao’s coldness.
Zhu Da Zhuang then revealed the tragic story of Qi Chao's past: his girlfriend, a talented actress, had refused to submit to a director's sexual advances disguised as an audition. Resisting him, she tragically jumped from a high floor of the hotel and lost her life. Zhu Da Zhuang explained that this devastating event was why Qi Chao had left the film industry, leaving Pan Duo deeply saddened and empathetic.
The next day, Zhu Da Zhuang and Pan Duo went to You Xi’s home to watch the broadcast, as Zhu Da Zhuang had sold their television. You Xi was thrilled to see his online popularity soaring, with "Mr. You" trending on Weibo after his sweet call with Yao Yao. Amid the celebration, he received a call from Mr. Wei Ran, who invited him to a meeting.
Meanwhile, Song Qie Ge learned of the meeting and grew concerned, but his boss assured him that You Xi posed no threat. During their meeting, Mr. Wei Ran asked You Xi if he thought Song Qie Ge was suitable for the male lead in his new film. You Xi candidly replied that Mr. Wei Ran "deserved someone better."
Mr. Wei Ran then revealed he had already found a new candidate: Zhao Yi, whom he praised for his impressive presence on set. Though inwardly dismayed, You Xi forced a smile and agreed that Zhao Yi was better than Song Qie Ge. The premiere of "The Founding of the Three Kingdoms" arrived, coinciding with the release of Song Qie Ge's "Falling Apart".
You Xi was confident his drama would win the ratings battle, and Pan Duo had rallied extensive support from her network of friends and family. Qi Chao’s theme song for the drama quickly became a trending topic, while "Falling Apart" was criticized for turning a historical drama into an "idol drama" with a kissing scene in the first episode. While watching the show, Qi Chao found himself mesmerized by Pan Duo’s on-screen performance, just as his television signal cut out.
The next day, Zhu Da Zhuang excitedly announced that their drama had secured the top spot in the ratings. However, their joy was cut short when Pan Duo discovered a malicious Weibo post targeting her. The post, likely orchestrated by Shen Yiling, accused Pan Duo of using her agent, Zhu Da Zhuang, and having "unspeakable underground deals" with You Xi to advance her career, and claimed she was now trying to use Qi Chao for fame.
Fearing Qi Chao would believe the rumors, Pan Duo rushed to his home to explain, but he refused to open the door. Desperate to get him to listen, Pan Duo faked a series of emergencies, shouting through the door that she was about to faint and that there was a fire. This tactic, echoing the trauma of his ex-girlfriend's suicide, caused a panicked Qi Chao to rush out.
Upon realizing he had been tricked, Qi Chao was furious and declared he never wanted to see her again, but his anger quickly softened. Pan Duo tearfully apologized for worrying him and reaffirmed her genuine feelings, insisting she was not interested in his fame. Qi Chao then stated that he never believes entertainment news and that being criticized online is normal for an artist, implying that he believed her.
Touched, Pan Duo saw Qi Chao attempting to defend her online against the "network trolls." However, she quickly realized his simple, ineffective replies were no match for the aggressive haters. Deciding his approach was too gentle, Pan Duo took over the keyboard, ready to confront the critics herself.
