Broker Episode 36 Recap
> Broker Recap
Qiu's father ultimately agreed to help Zhou Xiaoshan, while Qiu Jianing found herself in a vortex of emotion, grappling internally. After watching a flag-raising ceremony with Zhou Xiaoshan, she told him she had thought everything through and refused to admit defeat. She expressed a profound hope that in the future, all achievements made by Chinese people, regardless of the field, would be met with praise rather than doubt, emphasizing that this required the collective effort of many.
She declared her intention to retaliate. Zhou Xiaoshan then made a phone call to Qiu's father, informing him that Qiu Jianing had made up her mind and there was no longer a need to pressure her into attending the press conference. Qiu Jianing, slightly exasperated, then called her father herself, saying she needed his help with something. Qiu Jianing, Zhou Xiaoshan, and others, along with Qiu's father, worked tirelessly through the night preparing for the next day's press conference.
Just after midnight, Qiu's secretary reminded him it was his birthday. Qiu's father downplayed it, but the secretary mentioned that Qiu Jianing had helped him choose a gift. Zhou Xiaoshan presented a photoshopped picture of Qiu Jianing and her father. He explained that since they hadn't had time to take a proper photo together, he had created this one in Qiu Jianing's name as a birthday gift, noting that Qiu Jianing knew her father loved photography.
Qiu's father was deeply touched by the gesture, and his previously reserved attitude towards Zhou Xiaoshan visibly softened. Qiu Jianing was in good spirits, but before the press conference, she still had one person she needed to see. Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan went to meet Wen Zhao. Qiu Jianing asked him to attend the upcoming press conference, acknowledging that she knew he had orchestrated the current situation.
She accused him of collaborating with TKS to spread false rumors about her, aiming to make Zhou Xiaoshan experience the same suffering Wen Zhao endured. However, she firmly stated that she was not Xiang Lan and would not compromise her principles. Wen Zhao retorted that no one could love Xiang Lan more than he did, recounting his painful experience of watching her wither and die day by day, all because of Zhou Xiaoshan.
Qiu Jianing urged Wen Zhao to look forward, but he angrily questioned Zhou Xiaoshan's worthiness. Qiu Jianing responded that she would not shy away from her problems or blame Zhou Xiaoshan, assuring him that the truth would be revealed the next day. Wen Zhao scoffed, asking Zhou Xiaoshan if "the truth" didn't sound sarcastic to him. Wen Zhao then requested to speak with Zhou Xiaoshan privately.
He revealed that he hadn't yet exposed Zhou Xiaoshan's true identity to Qiu Jianing, calling it Zhou Xiaoshan's biggest weakness. Wen Zhao demanded that Zhou Xiaoshan return with him, or he would tell Qiu Jianing everything, which would implicate her as an accomplice in stealing the formula. He threatened to destroy either Zhou Xiaoshan or both of them, giving Zhou Xiaoshan one night to make his choice. Wen Zhao then wished Qiu Jianing a successful press conference before departing.
The next day, at the press conference, Qiu Jianing, as the project leader for Original Life Plan-O Laboratories, began by addressing the rumors circulating about her. She started to clarify that her departure from Professor Harry's laboratory was due to his plagiarism of her article on telomerase a year prior, a fact immediately corroborated by an unexpected appearance from Su Qian.
Su Qian, a former researcher at Plan-O and Professor Harry's laboratory, and currently a project consultant at Tiancheng Fund, pointed out that Professor Harry's clinical trial applications had been rejected three times by the FDA, while Plan-O was successfully carrying out its second phase, questioning how Qiu Jianing's departure could have caused such damage if she had stolen secrets. Professor Harry, watching the broadcast, was enraged.
Qiu Jianing thanked Su Qian, then explained that the modified version of her original article was already posted on her personal Weibo and official WeChat account for professionals to compare. Addressing the video that purportedly showed her betraying the laboratory, she announced that someone else would explain. Qiu's father, Qiu Yaoming, Chairman of Qiu Group, then took the stage.
He proudly introduced himself and declared Qiu Jianing his daughter, stating that her commitment to scientific research was unwavering and pure, and that money or fame would never shake her beliefs. Regarding the controversial video, he explained that his company had used specialized technology to retrieve the original footage, which revealed it had been edited.
He then played the unedited video, showing Qiu Jianing rejecting a substantial offer from TKS—$5 million and access to a world-class research facility—to join them and ensure Professor Harry's downfall. In the video, Qiu Jianing emphatically stated that she would not allow the scientific field to remain an empty space for the Chinese, where researchers face doubt and contempt.
She expressed her determination that she and her team would strive to demonstrate Chinese success in this field, creating invaluable assets for their country and the world, and that her only condition was for "Plan-O to have 'researched and developed in China' stamped on it." Following the video, Qiu Yaoming announced his intention to initiate legal proceedings against those who had defamed his daughter. Meanwhile, Qiu Jiaxin watched the live broadcast, exhilarated, commenting on how handsome her father looked.
Qin Bin, arriving with a cake, tried to cheer her up, asking her to forgive him. As the press conference continued, Qiu Jianing delivered a powerful speech, explaining that while she initially endured unfair treatment, she decided to stand up when public opinion began to question the entire Chinese scientific community and the nation itself.
She emphasized that her stand was not just for herself, but for the honor of Chinese scientists and the growing strength of China in various fields. Qin Bin playfully teased Qiu Jiaxin about her intelligence compared to her father and sister. As they interacted closely, Jiang Xiaoye walked in and witnessed their affectionate behavior. Jiang Xiaoye and Qin Bin immediately clashed, with Jiang Xiaoye calling Qin Bin an "uncle" and criticizing his inappropriateness.
Jiang Xiaoye tried to pull Qiu Jiaxin away, but Qin Bin held onto her arm, claiming he needed to discuss work with her. The argument escalated, nearly turning into a physical altercation. Frustrated, Qiu Jiaxin grabbed her bag and left abruptly. Jiang Xiaoye rushed after her, trying to apologize for his jealousy and explaining his actions. However, Qiu Jiaxin suggested they "cool down," confessing that she might not like him as much as she thought.
She felt their relationship started too impulsively, drawn by his idol image, and that they were not a good fit. She formally broke up with Jiang Xiaoye, leaving him to watch her walk away. After the successful press conference, Qiu Jianing thanked Su Qian, who, now calling herself "Sister Qian," offered encouragement. Wen Zhao then approached Zhou Xiaoshan again, questioning if they truly hadn't met in college. Zhou Xiaoshan hesitated before admitting they might have.
Wen Zhao continued, hinting that Zhou Xiaoshan's past was "spectacular" and largely unknown. With a stiff expression, Zhou Xiaoshan admitted he had deceived everyone. Wen Zhao then revealed that they had been best friends in college, and that Zhou Xiaoshan had even injured him once. This revelation caused Qiu Jianing to look at Zhou Xiaoshan with a strange expression. Later, Qiu Jiaxin went to find Qin Bin but was stopped at the door by Zhao Yan.
She overheard Qin Bin talking to a woman inside. Zhao Yan hesitantly explained that the woman was Qin Bin's ex-girlfriend, Jiang Ruoxi, adding that they weren't together anymore and she was only there because she was unwell and had no one else to turn to in the country, having just returned from France. Feeling disheartened, Qiu Jiaxin turned and left.
After seeing his ex-girlfriend, Jiang Ruoxi, out, Qin Bin was pressed by Zhao Yan, who questioned if he had truly moved on. Qin Bin insisted it was purely a professional, friendly relationship. Zhao Yan then awkwardly informed him that Qiu Jiaxin had stopped by with coffee and he had mistakenly told her about Ruoxi. Qin Bin immediately rushed to find Qiu Jiaxin. He found her sitting despondently in a cafe. Qin Bin asked if she had something to tell him.
Qiu Jiaxin revealed she had broken up with Jiang Xiaoye, saying they weren't suitable. Qin Bin, trying to gauge her true feelings, deliberately acted nonchalant and pretended to return to work, further exasperating Qiu Jiaxin. He then took her hand, expressing how happy he was that she chose to tell him. Qiu Jiaxin, still sulking, then told him not to treat his ex-girlfriend. Qin Bin patiently explained that Ruoxi had been living abroad and, having just moved back, didn't know anyone else in the country to seek medical help from.
