Broker Episode 29 Recap
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Colleagues speculate about Zhou Xiaoshan's possible return after Zhu Zhu reveals he texted her, asking if his resignation had been approved. The news surprises them, especially as Zhou Xiaoshan had expressed a desire to stop running from problems and start a fresh life, working with them again. Qiu Jianing, still disturbed by Zhou Xiaoshan's recent attempts at reconciliation, receives a call from the front desk. She learns that Mo Li is waiting for her at the downstairs café.
Mo Li meets Qiu Jianing to discuss Zhou Xiaoshan. Qiu Jianing, asserting her wish for no personal or work-related involvement with him, tries to dismiss Mo Li. However, Mo Li persists, describing Zhou Xiaoshan's suffering since his return, including gambling. She insists that Zhou Xiaoshan loves Qiu Jianing deeply, more profoundly than she realizes, and that he was never as devastated, even when Xiang Lan left him. Qiu Jianing questions Mo Li's motives, given her past interest in Zhou Xiaoshan.
Mo Li explains that while she once believed love conquered all, Zhou Xiaoshan's actions revealed the difficulty of moving on from the past. Qiu Jianing counters, suggesting he lacked a true chance and that love alone cannot solve everything. Mo Li then confesses her own reason for returning: Qiu Jianing's stepmother implied Mo Li was unfit to be friends with Qiu Jiaxin due to her lack of education and parents, suspecting her of chasing the family's wealth.
Mo Li describes how those disadvantaged often face rejection, leading to fear and withdrawal even from genuine help. She then implores Qiu Jianing to offer her brother a helping hand once more, hoping for a different outcome this time. Zhou Xiaoshan informs Uncle Zha over the phone that he has booked a flight to return with Qiu Jianing. Before leaving, he requests to call his mother again, and Uncle Zha agrees to arrange it.
During the call, Zhou Xiaoshan's mother repeats the same phrases she had used previously, which deepens his unease. The following day at the airport, Qin Bin is surprised to see Zhou Xiaoshan. Qiu Jiaxin, also present, wonders if Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan have reconciled, but Qiu Jianing denies it, explaining Zhou Xiaoshan is only returning for work. Qin Bin notes Qiu Jianing's recent strange behavior, attributing it to Zhou Xiaoshan.
Meanwhile, Mo Li approaches Qin Bin, insisting on a private conversation. In their discussion, Mo Li directly asks Qin Bin about his feelings for Qiu Jiaxin. Qin Bin dismisses the idea that Qiu Jiaxin likes him, seeing her only as a student or sister. Mo Li reveals Qiu Jiaxin's feelings for him, reminding him of a past incident during Qiu Jianing's birthday when his preoccupation caused him to ignore Qiu Jiaxin.
Qin Bin recalls Qiu Jiaxin's uncharacteristic, agitated behavior during that time. Mo Li urges Qin Bin to treat Qiu Jiaxin well and cherish her. Separately, Zhou Xiaoshan tells Mo Li that he doesn't know when he will return this time and warns her not to act impulsively while he's gone. She questions if he's hiding something, but he denies it. Later, Qiu Jiaxin is surprised to see Zhou Xiaoshan, Qin Bin, and Qiu Jianing arriving together.
She immediately questions Qiu Jianing about Zhou Xiaoshan's presence. Qin Bin, now aware of Qiu Jiaxin's feelings, reacts awkwardly and pulls away when she touches him, confusing her. He hastily departs, citing hospital duties. Qiu Jiaxin expresses her bewilderment to Qiu Jianing about Qin Bin's sudden shift in attitude. Qiu Jianing dismisses it, reiterating that Zhou Xiaoshan is only back for work and telling Qiu Jiaxin not to overthink.
Qiu Jiaxin, after hearing about Zhou Xiaoshan's situation, expressed her confusion to Qiu Jianing, wondering why they couldn't be together if they still had feelings for each other. Qiu Jianing explained that she didn't want their relationship to interfere with her work, especially during this period when she needed to focus. On their way to the company, Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing maintain a noticeable distance from each other, a stark contrast to their previous closeness.
Uncle Zha calls Zhou Xiaoshan, pressuring him to quickly steal the formula. Zhou Xiaoshan, however, declares that there will be no formula and he is quitting. When Uncle Zha tries to threaten him using his mother's well-being, Zhou Xiaoshan reveals that he knows his mother died long ago, even before Xiang Lan.
He had pieced this together after the previous, suspicious phone calls where his 'mother' repeated the same words and didn't dispute his mention of her smoking, a habit she had long given up. Uncle Zha denies this, attempting to deflect blame onto Ruan Wenzhao and insisting that everything he did was for Zhou Xiaoshan's own good. Zhou Xiaoshan, emotional and resolute, states that he has fully repaid his debts to Uncle Zha.
He asserts his desire to live an honest life in the open, become an upright man, and build a family, severing all ties with Uncle Zha from that moment forward. News of Zhou Xiaoshan's return quickly spreads among the colleagues, sparking much gossip. Xiaoxiao and Li Chunran speculate whether his return signifies regret over his breakup with Qiu Jianing, while others express skepticism about a reunion, emphasizing Qiu Jianing's self-respect. Zhou Xiaoshan officially returns, greeted by his colleagues.
Shortly after, Qiu Jianing also arrives back, bringing souvenirs from her trip for the team. She then announces a research team meeting for the afternoon. Upon his return, Qin Bin is unusually subdued. Zhao Yan observes this, initially joking about his lack of success with Qiu Jianing. Qin Bin then confides that Mo Li revealed Qiu Jiaxin has feelings for him. Zhao Yan finds this hilarious and surprising, admitting he never noticed it himself.
Zhao Yan then shares more news that further troubles Qin Bin: Qiu Jiaxin has chosen to pursue her residency under Deputy Chief Qian instead of Qin Bin, her own mentor. Qin Bin is dismayed, expressing concern about Qiu Jiaxin's personality clashing with Deputy Chief Qian's difficult character. During a team meeting, Qiu Jianing formally announces Zhou Xiaoshan's return to the team, expressing hope that past events won't hinder their teamwork.
Later, Zhang Yu confronts Zhou Xiaoshan, asking if his return is due to missing Qiu Jianing. Zhou Xiaoshan openly admits it, stating that after some recent realizations, he no longer wants to run from his problems and believes life is too short to delay. Zhang Yu playfully warns him that Qiu Jianing is not an easy person to win over, offering help if needed, but Zhou Xiaoshan insists on handling his own "debt."
Zhou Xiaoshan asks Qiu Jianing to accompany him to visit Professor Wang. She agrees. At Professor Wang's home, Mrs. Wang is delighted to see them arrive together. She perceptively tells Qiu Jianing that she can sense lingering feelings between them, and with wisdom born of age, advises them to embrace their emotions and avoid future regrets, given the brevity of life. Qin Bin invites Qiu Jiaxin to dinner, maintaining a serious demeanor.
He directly asks her why she chose Deputy Chief Qian for her residency instead of him, her original mentor. Qiu Jiaxin explains she simply desired a change of environment. Qin Bin then awkwardly admits that Mo Li had informed him about Qiu Jiaxin's past feelings for him.
A brief moment of sadness passes over Qiu Jiaxin, after which she states that she no longer likes him and, given his new awareness, it would be even more awkward to work under him. Qin Bin, growing increasingly agitated, vehemently insists that Deputy Chief Qian is problematic and that Qiu Jiaxin would face difficulties under his guidance.
Qiu Jiaxin, however, firmly declares that she has moved on and simply wishes to make her own decision for once, regardless of his concerns, assuring him she will never disgrace his mentorship. As Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan are leaving the hospital, they encounter Qin Bin, who insists on speaking with Qiu Jianing, despite her protests about the late hour. Qiu Jianing and Qin Bin proceed to his office.
Qin Bin recounts his conversation with Mo Li, revealing Qiu Jiaxin's past feelings for him. He acknowledges that Qiu Jiaxin claims to have moved on but expresses deep concern about her choice of Deputy Chief Qian for her residency, fearing her personality will lead to difficulties under him. He asks Qiu Jianing to persuade Qiu Jiaxin to work under him instead.
Qiu Jianing, however, smiles and suggests that Qin Bin and Qiu Jiaxin are actually quite suitable for each other, though she agrees to talk to her sister. Zhou Xiaoshan patiently waits outside the office for Qiu Jianing. As she emerges, he stops her and earnestly declares his unwavering commitment, stating he is willing to wait for her, whether it be for a month, a year, or even a lifetime.
Meanwhile, Wenzhao visits Uncle Zha and is visibly saddened when he sees a photograph of Xiang Lan, noting how she rarely smiled that genuinely except with Zhou Xiaoshan. He confronts Uncle Zha, accusing him of hiding Xiang Lan. Wenzhao offers to 'teach Zhou Xiaoshan a lesson' if Uncle Zha reveals Xiang Lan's whereabouts. During their heated exchange, Wenzhao bitterly points out that Uncle Zha has never treated him as a son-in-law, only viewing Zhou Xiaoshan as a loyal dog.
Wenzhao warns Uncle Zha that his control over Xiang Lan is dwindling and once she is found, Uncle Zha will lose all leverage. Uncle Zha then makes a counter-offer: if Wenzhao can bring Zhou Xiaoshan back to him, he will, in turn, bring Xiang Lan to Wenzhao. Wenzhao agrees to the deal.
The next morning, Qiu Jianing prepares breakfast for Qiu Jiaxin and gently confronts her about her residency choice, asking why she isn't choosing Qin Bin, especially since she once liked him and even helped him pursue Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jiaxin, annoyed that Qin Bin has revealed her past feelings, admits that she initially admired him as a mentor, then found him mature and charming after his breakup with Qiu Jianing, realizing she might like him.
However, she asserts that she has now let go of those feelings, finding no reason to pursue someone who doesn't reciprocate. Qiu Jianing, observing her sister, believes her and urges her to seriously reconsider her residency, emphasizing Qin Bin's capabilities as a doctor. During a family dinner, Qiu Jiaxin's mother inquires about her official employment and expresses her intention to invite Qin Bin for dinner, praising his abilities and suggesting Qiu Jiaxin work under him.
Qiu Jiaxin informs her mother that she has decided to pursue her residency under Deputy Chief Qian instead, explaining she wants to learn from another mentor. Her father supports her decision to choose, noting that Deputy Chief Qian will soon be promoted to Chief. Later, her mother attempts to set up Qiu Jiaxin with Jiang Xiaoye, who has moved to a new club in Jiangcheng.
To deflect attention, Qiu Jiaxin playfully pulls Qiu Jianing into the conversation, highlighting her older sister's single status as she approaches thirty. The sisters then engage in lighthearted banter and teasing about their respective love lives.
