City of Streamer Episode 10 Recap
> City of Streamer Recap
Zhao Hua'an and Rong Jiashang had no leads and returned to report to Rong Dingkun. The dock workers had confirmed that the person who collected the goods had Rong Dingkun's authenticated fingerprint and seal, and all interrogated men gave consistent accounts. Rong Dingkun was furious, worried that Generalissimo Cao would not spare him. He fretted that time was running out and if the goods didn't reach Europe, Generalissimo Cao wouldn't easily let go of the Rong family.
When Rong Jiashang asked about Sun Shaoqing, Zhao Hua'an confirmed that Yang Xiucheng had scoured Shanghai without success. Rong Dingkun ordered them to find Sun Shaoqing no matter what, declaring, "I don't believe she is that capable!" Tenant farmers delivered a large basket of crabs to the Rong household. Knowing Feng Shizhen's fondness for crabs, Rong Jiashang instructed Butler Zhang to select the largest and plumpest ones for him to take to her home.
When Feng Shizhen returned from work, she was touched to find Rong Jiashang in her kitchen, having already prepared the crabs. Her father greeted her, saying Jiashang had brought the crabs, and Jiashang clarified they were from a tenant farmer and he'd picked the best ones, hoping she would like them. Her mother reminisced about Feng Shizhen's childhood love for crabs. Feng Shizhen's father thanked Rong Jiashang for his thoughtfulness.
Feng Shizhen suggested buying some wine to enhance the meal, and Rong Jiashang eagerly offered to accompany her. On their way, a neighbor, Mrs. Liu, mistook Rong Jiashang for Feng Shizhen's boyfriend, praising his handsome appearance. Feng Shizhen quickly diverted Mrs. Liu's attention with an excuse about her son. Rong Jiashang found the neighborhood interesting, but Feng Shizhen suggested he wouldn't feel the same if he lived there.
Back at Feng Shizhen’s home, Rong Jiashang personally shelled crabs for Feng Shizhen and her parents, who observed his attentiveness. Feng Shizhen's mother also encouraged her to take care of Jiashang. After dinner, Feng Shizhen walked Rong Jiashang out. She thanked him for the crabs, but he confessed it was merely an excuse to see her. He remarked on how her once "eloquent" demeanor had become "docile" after resigning, playfully adding that he only liked "being lectured by her."
Rong Jiashang expressed his admiration for her unwavering hope and ability to find "silver linings" despite life's challenges, admitting she made him feel warm. As he attempted to express his feelings further and lean in to kiss her, Feng Shizhen quickly dodged and cautioned him to be careful on his way back. Upon her return, Feng Shizhen's mother immediately pulled her aside, convinced that Rong Jiashang was interested in her.
Feng Shizhen vehemently denied it, explaining that Rong Jiashang's efforts were merely a test from his father to develop his leadership skills. Her mother, while admitting she didn't understand the intricacies of wealthy families, still found the situation peculiar. Feng Shizhen reasoned that if Rong Jiashang genuinely liked her, he would ask her out directly, not invite her back as a governess.
Her mother, however, lamented that if their family hadn't suffered misfortune, Feng Shizhen and the "good boy" Rong Jiashang, with his kind character and good looks, could have been a perfect match. Feng Shizhen, however, believed that even without the misfortune, their paths would likely never have crossed. Rong Jiashang returned home to overhear Rong Dingkun's heated phone conversation with Generalissimo Cao.
Generalissimo Cao was enraged that the antiques had been stolen, threatening to "wipe out the Rong Company" if the goods weren't returned within half a month, delaying his business. When Rong Jiashang questioned his father, Rong Dingkun explained Generalissimo Cao knew about the robbery and threatened to "wipe out the Rong family." Rong Jiashang then pressed Zhao Hua'an about the ship used for transport.
Zhao Hua'an reported that their men had searched the offshore area and eventually found the intercepted ship, which had been completely burned, just as Rong Jiashang had anticipated. Yang Xiucheng then revealed that Sun Shaoqing had boarded a ship to Hong Kong two days prior and vanished during a stopover. Rong Dingkun inferred a connection between the two incidents and ordered Zhao Hua'an and Rong Jiashang to uncover the mastermind, threatening them with "you'll lose your head!" if they failed.
Rong Jiashang surmised that someone was manipulating Generalissimo Cao to target the Rong family and emphasized the importance of resolving the matter to avoid future complications. Meanwhile, Meng Xu'an had recommended Xiao Baoli to star in a movie and gifted her a beautiful company car. Xiao Baoli invited Feng Shizhen to celebrate at Laozhengxing Restaurant, where she shared her excitement about becoming a heroine.
Over dinner, Xiao Baoli mentioned that Meng Xu'an had ordered steamed scallops with garlic, her favorite, noting his "observant" nature and hinting at his special interest in Feng Shizhen. Feng Shizhen, however, dismissed it, pointing out Meng Xu'an's numerous "confidantes" and reiterating her lack of interest in him. Later, Feng Shizhen returned home with her brother, Feng Shixun, who inquired about her adjustment to hospital work.
They read a newspaper report about the suppression of riots in Zhabei, which Feng Shixun described as a sacrifice of "warm blood" and lives for "freedom and ideals." Shortly after, Rong Jiashang arrived, bringing a Jinhua ham and the latest English science magazine for Feng Shizhen.
Feng Shixun, meeting Rong Jiashang for the first time, expressed his displeasure that Feng Shizhen had been mistreated at the Rong family, to which Rong Jiashang admitted his failure to protect her, leading to her resignation. Rong Jiashang then proposed that Feng Shizhen return to teach him and his sisters, asking Feng Shixun to help persuade her. Feng Shixun vehemently opposed the idea, questioning if she should "go back to be bullied."
Rong Jiashang countered, highlighting Feng Shizhen's passion for teaching and the generous, leisurely compensation at the Rong family, implying that her strenuous work at the hospital was less favorable. Feng Shizhen intervened, surprising both men by agreeing to return to the Rong family. Feng Shixun immediately pulled Feng Shizhen aside, pleading with her to reconsider, and offering to find her another job if she was unhappy at the hospital.
Feng Shizhen calmly asked him to respect her decision in front of her student. She explained that the Rong family, despite its hidden secrets common to wealthy households, wasn't a "dragon's den" for a governess merely focused on her duties and salary. She clarified that, apart from Concubine Sun's occasional "bullying," her time there had been enjoyable.
She argued that working in a school offered low pay and heavy workload, and other affluent families were largely similar, making the Rong family "a good choice." Feng Shixun, still concerned, voiced worries about Rong Jiashang behaving "rudely" toward her. Feng Shizhen, confident in her "self-awareness," asserted that a distinguished young man like Rong Jiashang, exposed to countless "high-born ladies" and "confidantes," would not be interested in a woman "many years older than him."
She asked her brother not to "overestimate him, and don't underestimate me." She reiterated her desire to make her own choices. Feng Shizhen's mother reassured Rong Jiashang that Feng Shixun was a "reasonable brother." Before Rong Jiashang left, Feng Shixun, though yielding, warned him to ensure his father controlled the concubines, stating he wouldn't tolerate his family being "treated unfairly" and that "Little people often have unexpected effects." Feng Shizhen quickly told her brother to stop intimidating Rong Jiashang.
Feng Shizhen then confirmed she would process her resignation from the hospital in a few days. Rong Jiashang, pleased, assured her he would have Ms. Kang prepare her room, as Fanglin and Fanghua would be "very happy." As Feng Shizhen walked Rong Jiashang out, she confirmed her decision not to change her mind and warned him not to "cause trouble." He promised he wouldn't, even offering for her to "slap my face" if he misbehaved.
Feng Shizhen teased him about his transformation from arrogant to a "paper tiger" after her resignation. Rong Jiashang humbly explained that when apologizing, one must be "modest." He then suggested a celebratory dinner at a new Sichuan restaurant. Feng Shizhen politely declined, asking him not to visit for a few days to avoid upsetting her brother.
Rong Jiashang, with a hint of longing, acknowledged the duty of an older brother to protect his sisters, remarking that Feng Shizhen had "a good brother." He subtly attempted to hold her hand and then to embrace her, but she maintained a respectful distance, preventing him from doing so. When they reached the alley entrance, Rong Jiashang deliberately asked his driver to park further away, admitting he wanted to "walk with her."
Unbeknownst to them, Meng Xu'an observed their parting from his car. Feng Shizhen then got into Meng Xu'an’s car, informing him of her decision to return to the Rong family. Meng Xu'an complimented her "nice move," which "worked so quickly," but then commented on how "well matched" she and Rong Jiashang looked, suggesting he thought she had "fallen in love with him."
Feng Shizhen quickly dismissed his concerns, declaring that Rong Jiashang was "not the right person for her" and it was "just an act." Meng Xu'an challenged her, asking, "Are you sure? I hope you can remember what you said today and never forget it." Changing the subject, Feng Shizhen inquired about the stolen goods. Meng Xu'an confirmed their successful retrieval.
He explained that he could not return them to the ineffectual government, fearing they would become "military funds" for warlords, and instead chose to donate the "national treasures" to a museum, much to Feng Shizhen's surprise. He predicted that Rong Dingkun, now "badly hurt," would make "new moves" and advised Feng Shizhen to be "more careful" and "stay safe" in the Rong family.
At the Rong mansion, Mrs. Rong confirmed with Ms. Chen that Feng Shizhen was indeed returning and that Rong Jiashang had instructed Kang Sao to prepare her room. Mrs. Rong speculated that Feng Shizhen, despite her seemingly high-minded demeanor, must be "kind of interested in Jiashang" to return and brave gossip, expressing her satisfaction at getting rid of "that Sun coquette."
Ms. Chen added that Feng Shizhen’s low salary and tiring work at the hospital likely made the easier Rong family job appealing. Concubine Wang worried that with Concubine Sun gone, Rong Dingkun might become interested in Feng Shizhen. Mrs. Rong dismissed this, stating she couldn't control her husband's preferences and he would simply find another woman.
Meanwhile, Yang Xiucheng reported that two of their men, who had previously encountered Sun Shaoqing, recognized one of the goods receivers—a man with a scar on his chin—as one of the individuals who helped Sun Shaoqing board her ship. However, the receiver’s identity remained unknown, possibly from the south.
Yang Xiucheng pondered how Sun Shaoqing, a reclusive figure, could have made such connections, noting that only Feng Shizhen and members of the Sun family had frequent access to the Rong residence. Though he initially considered Feng Shizhen, he quickly dismissed her as a suspect, seeing no benefit for her in helping Concubine Sun escape.
Later, Rong Jiashang’s sister Fanglin told her sister Fanghua that Jiashang treated them well, despite their mother’s resentment since the accidental death of their younger brother. She also mentioned seeing Yang Xiucheng and Jiashang enter their father’s study. In a fit of rage and frustration over the stolen goods and Sun Shaoqing’s disappearance, Rong Dingkun brutally attacked Concubine Sun, accusing her of being "wronged" and "crying all day."
He screamed that she couldn't even control her own sister and was already "helping her family set him up" before the baby was born, telling her to "go to hell." Mrs. Rong intervened, calming him down and reminding him of Concubine Sun’s pregnancy and his own health. She led him out of the room. Before leaving, Rong Dingkun viciously warned Concubine Sun that he hoped her sister would "never come back," or he would "rip her apart."
He then declared that "anyone surnamed Sun is not allowed to set foot in my house anymore!" After Rong Dingkun and Mrs. Rong departed, Concubine Sun collapsed in despair, feeling that she was being "forced to die." She cursed her sister, Shaoqing, for causing her ruin and vehemently denounced Rong Dingkun as "ruthless" and "ungrateful," lamenting his lack of trust after ten years together. She threatened to jump into the Huangpu River rather than endure such humiliation.
Ms. Chen and the other maids were ordered to clean Concubine Sun's ravaged room. Concubine Sun’s maid questioned why no dinner had been sent upstairs for her, to which Ms. Chen coldly replied that she thought Concubine Sun was unwell and had chosen not to disturb her, adding that meals were still available and would be sent up later. Concubine Wang, observing the scene, remarked on how servants excelled at "kicking someone when she is down."
From her room, Concubine Sun bitterly reflected that Rong Dingkun would undoubtedly find another woman and that she would wait to see how long Mrs. Rong could maintain her composure. The staff gossiped that Feng Shizhen was returning, prompted by Rong Jiashang's persistent apologies. Concubine Sun, overhearing or internally fuming, made a bitter remark about Rong Jiashang being "Master's son," with "even the woman they like is the same."
She then reflected that Mrs. Rong (Huang Shujun) seemed to despise Rong Jiashang, wishing "he would be ruined by women." In her final moment of bitter solitude, Concubine Sun cursed Rong Dingkun, predicting that for all his perceived power, he would "be ruined by women sooner or later!"
