Broker Episode 14 Recap
> Broker Recap
Xu Qianya, finding Qiu Jianing asleep in the car, contacted Zhou Xiaoshan from Qiu Jianing's phone to arrange a meeting. When Zhou Xiaoshan arrived, Xu Qianya quickly exited the vehicle, declaring that their relationship problems should be left to a higher power. She presented a coin, stating that if it landed on heads, it meant even God approved of them.
Qiu Jianing questioned what tails would signify, to which Xu Qianya replied that the true answer lies within one's heart before the coin even falls, a wisdom she claimed to have gleaned from romance novels. Zhou Xiaoshan, finding the idea intriguing, proceeded to flip the coin. He then acknowledged Qiu Jianing's inherent adventurous spirit, asserting that she didn't believe in such trivial methods and that she truly desired a love that was a contest between equals.
Zhou Xiaoshan offered to prove that their connection was a match of masters, reminding her of a past bet. Though Qiu Jianing doubted his ability to win, he insisted on trying. He then borrowed Xu Qianya's car and, with a heavy foot on the accelerator, embarked on a thrilling high-speed drive through an open field, leaving both Qiu Jianing and Xu Qianya stunned. Xu Qianya remarked that Zhou Xiaoshan seemed even more reckless than Qiu Jianing.
Amidst Qiu Jianing's hesitation, Xu Qianya gave her a decisive push into Zhou Xiaoshan’s arms, leading to a continuation of their unexpected kiss. Later, Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing walked hand-in-hand back to her dormitory, sharing a lingering embrace before parting ways. Meanwhile, at the gym, Qiu Jiaxin found herself increasingly impressed by Mo Li's fighting skills, jokingly calling her a "female martial arts master." However, Mo Li appeared increasingly troubled.
Later, Mo Li was confronted by a persistent Mr. Li, who begged for her forgiveness. Qiu Jiaxin intervened, helping Mo Li to escape the situation. Qiu Jiaxin, curious, asked Mo Li why she was so against Mr. Li, especially since he seemed to genuinely like her. Mo Li, disgusted, explained that he was petty and had betrayed her despite her past kindness.
That evening, Qiu Jiaxin treated Mo Li to a meal and, during their conversation, Mo Li inquired about Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jiaxin revealed she was currently assisting her master, Qin Bin, in pursuing Qiu Jianing, only for a "Cheng Yaojin," a "crafty nobody" who was Qiu Jianing’s subordinate, to appear and complicate matters. Mo Li was visibly unsettled by this information.
She also subtly inquired about Qiu Jianing's living arrangements, surprising Qiu Jiaxin by knowing her sister lived in a dorm. Qiu Jiaxin described her sister as a dedicated "female scientist" focused solely on "research, research, and more research," appearing unapproachable but being quite muddle-headed. Qiu Jiaxin later stumbled upon Qiu Jianing's phone and noticed she was exchanging messages with Zhou Xiaoshan in Klingon.
Puzzled, she questioned the obscure language, to which Qiu Jianing explained her interest in rare knowledge, distinguishing between "useful" material-level knowledge and "useless" spiritual-level knowledge. Qiu Jiaxin, suspicious, asked if they were hiding something, but Qiu Jianing brushed it off as mere practice. Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing, while in the car, acknowledged the near-discovery of their relationship by Qiu Jiaxin, which Qiu Jianing feared would lead to her father finding out, a situation she wished to avoid.
Zhou Xiaoshan agreed that it was best to keep their relationship discreet for now, both from family and colleagues, so as not to distract her. Despite this agreement, he affectionately tightened his grip on her hand, a gesture he openly admitted to being "willing" to make.
In the lab, Zhou Xiaoshan observed the staff conducting a double-blind experiment, where even the researchers were unaware of the specific drugs or conditions of the test subjects, a measure taken to protect the formula. Qin Bin then arrived at the lab to celebrate his recently published article with Qiu Jianing, inviting her to dinner. Qiu Jianing accepted.
Zhou Xiaoshan, visibly annoyed, sarcastically told Qiu Jianing there was no rush and it was fine if she didn’t return, prompting a colleague to comment on his "lovey-dovey" behavior. Lab gossip soon spread about Qin Bin and Qiu Jianing, with many remarking on their perceived suitability given Qin Bin's distinguished medical family background.
At the restaurant, the owner mistook Qiu Jianing for Qin Bin's girlfriend, but Qin Bin clarified that he was actively pursuing her, though she had yet to accept. Qiu Jianing reiterated her earlier stance, stating that they could only be good friends. Qin Bin, however, expressed his admiration, acknowledging that while initial attraction was superficial, her past criticism had spurred him to seriously engage in academic writing, transforming his clinical experience into research.
He declared that a truly good relationship makes both individuals better versions of themselves and that he respected her deeply. He vowed to continue improving himself. With a sigh, Qiu Jianing finally revealed that she already had a boyfriend. After dropping Qiu Jianing back at the lab, a disheartened Qin Bin rushed to Qiu Jiaxin, asking if she knew about Qiu Jianing’s new boyfriend.
Initially disbelieving that it could be Zhou Xiaoshan, Qiu Jiaxin suddenly recalled Qiu Jianing describing her feelings for Zhou Xiaoshan as "phenylethylamine." Qin Bin, hearing this, realized that Qiu Jianing had already developed deep feelings for Zhou Xiaoshan some time ago. Meanwhile, Xu Qianya was exasperated to discover Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan's secret workplace romance, warning her of potential gossip and her father's disapproval.
She also pointed out Qiu Jianing's mistake in not informing Zhou Xiaoshan about her lunch with Qin Bin, confidently stating that Zhou Xiaoshan must be "mad jealous" by now. Qiu Jianing, seemingly oblivious, later arrived at Zhou Xiaoshan’s apartment, whose lights were still on. She brought soda water and crackers, explaining their mild basic properties were meant to "dilute the sourness in his stomach," referencing his jealousy. Zhou Xiaoshan smiled, acknowledging that she finally understood.
Qiu Jianing then admitted she was hungry, playfully stating it was his "honor" to feed her. While Zhou Xiaoshan was in the kitchen preparing food, Mo Li called him, sounding distressed. He quickly hung up, barely hearing her words, as he was busy cooking with Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jianing tried to help, but proved to be clumsy, struggling even to slice beef properly, leading Zhou Xiaoshan to jest about her being adept at experiments but not cooking.
He eventually served her a bowl of noodles. Qiu Jianing then clarified the situation with Qin Bin, explaining that despite his continued pursuit, she had already explicitly rejected him and believed he would eventually understand. They flirted over the meal, and as she was leaving, Zhou Xiaoshan gave her his door lock password, inviting her to visit anytime. After Qiu Jianing departed, Zhou Xiaoshan returned Mo Li's call.
Mo Li, with a tearful voice, asked if she could visit him tomorrow, but he declined, stating he was unavailable and would find her when he was free, sensing her homesickness and longing for his cooking. The following morning, Qiu Jiaxin caught Qiu Jianing returning late, still in her pajamas, accusing her of having a secret relationship with Zhou Xiaoshan at his place.
When Qiu Jianing confirmed it, Qiu Jiaxin passionately expressed her disbelief, questioning why Qiu Jianing would choose Zhou Xiaoshan over her "master" Qin Bin and criticizing her taste in men. Qiu Jianing explained that love isn't about one person being "better" than another, reaffirming her rejection of Qin Bin while believing he would eventually understand. Qin Bin, meanwhile, was diligently working at the hospital, constantly assisting patients and even giving out his WeChat for easier communication, neglecting his own lunch.
Qiu Jiaxin, bringing him food, scolded him for his self-neglect, but he refused to eat, prioritizing his patients. Back in the office, a frustrated Qiu Jiaxin confided in Zhao Yan about Qin Bin's relentless work ethic. Zhao Yan revealed that Qin Bin's intense dedication stemmed from a past heartbreak years ago when his photographer girlfriend left him, complaining he was too busy.
At that time, Qin Bin also threw himself into work to numb his pain, becoming the top performer in surgeries and patient consultations. Qiu Jiaxin felt immense pity for Qin Bin, lamenting Qiu Jianing's "dumb" decision to date someone else despite his qualities. Zhao Yan, however, advised her not to feel sorry, remarking that men grow stronger from such experiences. Later, Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing were on a date, and he stole a kiss from her on the street.
Qiu Jianing, embarrassed by the public display, questioned his actions. Zhou Xiaoshan, noticing other couples, playfully challenged her to be more daring, teasing her about having the desire but lacking the courage. Qiu Jianing urged him to be serious, to which he affirmed his sincerity.
