Blossoms Shanghai Episode 30 (Ending) Recap
> Blossoms Shanghai Recap
A Bao left the Peace Hotel, transitioning from "Boss Bao" back to "A Bao." Little Gu, who had learned 26 languages and was given one final subject by A Bao—learning various local Chinese dialects, as the Peace Hotel would host more domestic guests—saw him off, expressing gratitude for his continuous help and support, and believed A Bao would eventually return.
In March 1994, Qiang Mujie was arrested by the police on March 1st. He had caused substantial losses to Southern International Investment in the apparel company battle, leading to a thorough investigation by the Shenzhen headquarters. He was charged with dereliction of duty, causing significant losses to state property, and sentenced to three years in prison. This occurred exactly seven months before the official opening of the Oriental Pearl Tower.
After three months of working overtime, Wang Mingzhu finally completed her first batch of orders. In March, she returned to Shanghai from Shenzhen, bringing a large cake to share with her old colleagues at Unit 27, who praised her for retaining Boss Bao's composure. She believed her success was due to the foreign exchange difference knowledge she gained from Jin Hua, and that Jin Hua had deliberately given her this order, understanding her mentor's intentions.
Jin Hua jokingly advised Wang Mingzhu to visit Unit 27 less often, as everyone was now inspired to venture out independently, which Wang Mingzhu thought was a good outcome, bringing credit to Unit 27. Wang Mingzhu hugged Jin Hua tightly, thanking her for her support and the knowledge that had revived this critical order. The national foreign trade industry was rapidly developing, and the original macro-management model was no longer adequate.
The state proposed reorganizing state-owned enterprises under a modern enterprise system to foster the growth of national foreign trade. Consequently, the departments of the foreign trade general company were restructured, making the term "Five Golden Flowers" a thing of the past. Jin Hua was preparing to go abroad. A Bao's Uncle sent her a stamp album as a wedding gift. Jin Hua had asked Wang Mingzhu to sell it in an emergency.
Later, Uncle stumbled upon the album and bought it back, returning it to Jin Hua. Jin Hua chased after him, feeling conflicted as she watched his retreating figure. The album, which had been passed down for decades, contained many stamps her husband had brought from abroad, giving it significant meaning. Jin Hua looked towards the Oriental Pearl Tower, which was also the direction of Wang Mingzhu's warehouse.
Wang Mingzhu's company had moved from a small room into a large warehouse owned by Wei Hongqing's father, which would facilitate convenient goods handling. Their new company in Pudong Lujiazui opened, located near a pier, referencing Wang Mingzhu's past declaration of being a pier herself. Wei Hongqing, who silently admired Wang Mingzhu, prayed for dual success in his career and love life before a lucky cat.
Wang Mingzhu used 80,000 yuan from her first earnings for necessary expenses and gave half of the remaining 10,000 yuan to Wei Hongqing. Wei Hongqing refused the money, wishing instead to discuss their relationship. Wang Mingzhu, aware of his feelings and not wanting him to experience similar heartbreak as she had, clearly defined their relationship as strictly a partnership.
Wang Mingzhu brought a Singaporean client, introduced by Fan Xinhua (who was now cultivating roses in the countryside), to Night Tokyo for dinner. Ling Zi had reserved the best private room for them and served Wang Mingzhu's favorite fish roe rice balls, as it was the client's birthday. As Wang Mingzhu and her friends sang birthday songs, Ling Zi was overcome with emotion, recalling past birthdays celebrated with A Bao and others.
Wang Mingzhu inquired about A Bao's whereabouts, but Ling Zi had no information, nor did the Peace Hotel. Wang Mingzhu felt profound guilt, believing that A Bao's assistance to her had angered Uncle, leading to A Bao's downfall in the stock market. Ling Zi admitted she had contemplated telling A Bao insider information before his incident but ultimately held back, wanting to see if Boss Bao's success was truly dependent on her luck.
Ling Zi planned to leave Night Tokyo, with her destination either Beijing or Hong Kong, where she intended to open a new store, leaving Ge Laoshi in charge. Wang Mingzhu gave Ling Zi's business card to her Singaporean client to promote Night Tokyo. Wang Mingzhu expressed her belief that Ling Zi would eventually return, and they would then toast together.
In Ling Zi's philosophy, there was no concept of relationships fading; only business as usual, working harder for greater rewards, and always living life to the fullest. Wang Mingzhu drove to return the Cadillac to A Bao, bringing the keys to Pan Manager, only to discover that Yellow River Road had changed drastically. Zhizhen Garden had closed down and been redecorated as a karaoke bar, with all its former staff gone.
Jing Xiu, the small cigarette stall owner, called out to Wang Mingzhu. He had transformed his stall into a cold drink shop named "The Passerby" and was also considering selling fruit and flowers. Jing Xiu updated Wang Mingzhu on the changes that had swept Yellow River Road in recent months. Pan Manager was the last to leave a week prior. Li Li had signed a two-year contract with Pan Manager, having foresightedly anticipated True Fragrance Garden's closure after two years.
Pan Manager had declined to take over True Fragrance Garden. Li Li planned to return to the Garden Hotel. Rumors circulated that Li Li had known Boss Bao for a long time, but Pan Manager stated that it might not be the same person, and even if she knew, she wouldn't disclose it, only commenting that Li Li's time in Shanghai was not in vain.
With Pan Manager gone, Wang Mingzhu didn't know who could hand over the car to A Bao. Jing Xiu advised her to keep the Cadillac, stating it was Boss Bao's heartfelt sentiment and a source of confidence for her. However, Wang Mingzhu declared that she wanted to prove herself independently and that the Cadillac was not what she sought. She entrusted the car keys to Jing Xiu, asking him to return them to A Bao when the opportunity arose.
A disoriented person passed by, shouting "Boss Bao," which filled Wang Mingzhu with sorrow, making her reflect on how few people now remembered the once-dominant A Bao. Seeing the "The Passerby" sign, Wang Mingzhu felt a sense of melancholy, realizing she too was merely a passerby on Yellow River Road. On October 1, 1994, the Oriental Pearl Tower officially opened, drawing many people to the Huangpu River.
A Bao stood amidst the crowd, gazing at the dazzling fireworks, recalling his five-year agreement with Wang Mingzhu. They had agreed to watch the Oriental Pearl Tower opening, with A Bao suggesting the Peace Hotel rooftop and Wang Mingzhu suggesting her office at Unit 27 or the foreign trade building. On this day, A Bao stood in the crowd, while Wang Mingzhu watched the magnificent spectacle from her company building, separated by the Huangpu River.
On June 30, 1997, A Bao was in Hong Kong, witnessing the celebrations of the handover. That night, the five-starred red flag symbolizing sovereignty was raised on schedule. Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong's largest night market, was packed with people celebrating the thrilling moment throughout the night. The entire nation was jubilant, and countless individuals bore witness to history. The agreement A Bao had with Xue Zhi meant she would never see this moment.
After '97, new opportunities and challenges emerged. A Bao went to Chuansha, where he began cultivating land with Fa Gen's son, Ah Si. He had also been farming crops in the countryside with Fan Xinhua's son since leaving Shanghai, overseeing vast and endless farmlands.
