Broker Episode 27 Recap
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General Manager Huang decided to replace Qiu Jianing with Professor Sun to attend the conference in A City, stating that the achievements of Plan-O belong to everyone and that it was not appropriate for Qiu Jianing to go. He also expressed hope that the lab would try to convince Zhou Xiaoshan to reconsider his resignation, as the company values excellent researchers. Upon hearing the news, Xiaoxiao grew upset, feeling it was unfair to Qiu Jianing, who was the project leader.
Xiaoxiao then confronted Zhu Zhu, accusing her of reporting Zhou Xiaoshan’s resignation request, which was initially being suppressed, to headquarters out of a grudge because Zhu Zhu liked Zhou Xiaoshan and was upset when he was with Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jianing quickly intervened, pulling Xiaoxiao away and advising her that not everyone was qualified to be her enemy and that arguing was pointless.
She reminded Xiaoxiao of her past advice to focus on her work when at a low point, like when something happened to her dad. Qiu Jianing acknowledged Xiaoxiao’s concern for her but reassured her that she was fine, having gained trust and support from colleagues like Professor Sun since her return to China, a far better position than when she first arrived with a reputation for academic misconduct.
Meanwhile, in A City, Zhou Xiaoshan, accompanied by Mo Li, drowned his sorrows in a bar, repeatedly calling out Qiu Jianing's name before being thrown out. Mo Li was distraught to see him gambling and drinking daily for half a month, sensing he was losing his will to live. She went to Uncle Zha, begging him to release Zhou Xiaoshan, arguing that he was no different from a dead man.
Uncle Zha refused, noting that Zhou Xiaoshan was the one holding himself back and hinting at Mo Li’s feelings for Zhou Xiaoshan, challenging her that if Zhou Xiaoshan was free, there would be no chance for them to be together. He then pressed her about the significant investment he had made in training Zhou Xiaoshan. Mo Li pledged to repay Zhou Xiaoshan's debt herself, offering to work for Uncle Zha for a lifetime.
Back at the lab, an administrative assistant delivered a Russian literature book found in Zhou Xiaoshan’s dorm to Qiu Jianing. As she flipped through it, Qiu Jianing discovered a familiar "Hanan Long" drawing. Later, as the team prepared to check the synthesis results from the experiment, Qiu Jianing playfully placed the "Hanan Long" drawing on the computer screen, calling it her lucky charm. The experiment was successful, prompting jubilant cheers from the entire lab.
Qiu Jianing credited the team’s collective effort. Later, Xiaoxiao asked Professor Sun if he was disappointed about not attending the conference. She even suggested she had a way for Qiu Jianing to go, which would mean Professor Sun couldn’t. Professor Sun admitted his dream was to attend but felt the opportunity rightfully belonged to Qiu Jianing, recognizing her invaluable contributions to reviving the project numerous times.
Qiu Jianing, observing Professor Sun, remarked that while he was arrogant, he was also upright and open-hearted. Professor Sun then confided that Qiu Jianing had changed his prejudiced views about overseas researchers, proving through her actions that a person’s deeds, not their background, determine their true height. Professor Sun also told Xiaoxiao that she had grown significantly and, when asked if he preferred her past or present self, declared that he liked all versions of her.
Zhou Xiaoshan, upon receiving news of the experiment's success, was happy, affirming his belief in Qiu Jianing's capabilities. However, Qiu Jianing felt a pang of sadness at home, wondering why Zhou Xiaoshan wasn't by her side when she needed him most. Meanwhile, Professor Sun informed General Manager Huang and Qiu Jianing that he had to go on a long business trip to Guangdong, as their primate experiment had been outsourced there.
This trip would coincide with the science conference, making him unable to attend. He recommended Qiu Jianing attend instead, citing her earlier inclusion on the list before Professor Wang’s illness and her familiarity with the location. General Manager Huang respected his decision. Qiu Jianing recognized Professor Sun's gesture, knowing he was more qualified to present Plan-O to the world given his long-standing involvement in the project, second only to Professor Wang. She thanked Professor Sun for his generosity.
Qiu Jianing then visited the still unconscious Professor Wang in the hospital, promising not to let him down at the conference. As she left, Qin Bin informed her that their department had officially granted her the conference spot, expressing excitement to "fight side by side again." Before their departure, Qiu Jiaxin gave Qin Bin a small package, asking him to deliver it to Mo Li as a "secret between girls."
The next day, Qiu Jianing and Qin Bin landed in A City and were greeted by Jiang Jibo, the pickup person for the conference. After checking into their hotel, Qin Bin suggested they grab a meal and visit city hall. At city hall, Qiu Jianing unexpectedly encountered Professor Harry, her former mentor.
Harry introduced Qiu Jianing to his colleagues as his "excellent former employee" who "betrayed" him by joining Professor Wang’s lab, highlighting that Plan-O’s research direction was similar to his own and had made an immediate breakthrough after her arrival. Qiu Jianing calmly acknowledged Harry’s acknowledgment and, while praising him for teaching her valuable life lessons, announced that Plan-O’s global launch would be held at the same venue in three days, inviting Professor Harry to witness the significant moment.
Later, as Qiu Jianing and Qin Bin dined, Zhou Xiaoshan was seen nearby. On the street, a familiar John Lennon song, "Mother," reminded Qiu Jianing of the feeling of being abandoned. Qin Bin explained the song's background, further deepening her emotional response. Hesitating to confront her past, Qiu Jianing stood outside a hotel. Suddenly, Zhou Xiaoshan appeared, questioning why she was afraid to go inside and how long she would continue to avoid facing her mother.
He urged her not to let past trauma affect her life, stressing that some missed opportunities with people are irreversible. He then led her inside to find her mother, Lily, who worked there as a cleaner. Qiu Jianing called her "Mom," reminding Lily of her 22nd birthday six years prior when Lily had refused to acknowledge her, causing Qiu Jianing profound pain and hatred.
However, Qiu Jianing explained that after experiencing her own "baffling" relationship with a man burdened by a complicated background who had even claimed not to love her, she now understood her mother. She declared that despite everything, she would still choose to love Zhou Xiaoshan, as he had shown her the beauty of love, and she had no regrets. Lily then asked if Zhou Xiaoshan was "that rascal behind you."
Qiu Jianing held her mother's hand, explaining that there are many forms of motherly love, and Lily's was the most courageous. She thanked Lily for passing on that courage and for bringing her into a world where she learned to love. Qiu Jianing promised to live well and encouraged her mother to be brave and pursue the life she desired, reassuring her that she would always be her daughter.
Tears streaming down her face, Qiu Jianing left, with Zhou Xiaoshan silently accompanying her. Later, Zhou Xiaoshan confronted Qiu Jianing, telling her that for the month he had been back, he dreamt of her every day and missed her deeply. Qiu Jianing, however, was bewildered by his inconsistency, pointing out that he was the one who wanted to be together, then to break up, then to resign, and now he was back again.
Zhou Xiaoshan confessed that he had finally realized his love for her, that it was Qiu Jianing he had loved from the very beginning. Qiu Jianing, however, remained emotionally unmoved, stating that while she would have been happy to hear it earlier, after having cried and hated, she now felt it was better to keep that relationship in her heart, as love proved to be more challenging than any experiment.
Zhou Xiaoshan pleaded to continue their relationship, apologizing for his mistakes and asking for another chance. Qiu Jianing rejected his plea, stating that some things, once missed, are very difficult to retrieve.
