City of Streamer Episode 16 Recap
> City of Streamer Recap
Meng Xu'an continued his tense conversation with Rong Dingkun, asserting, "Even a tiger won't eat its cubs. By then, Mr. Rong, you'll know that the dirty water on you cannot be washed clean simply by killing all witnesses. Who would be intimate friends with someone that killed his wife and children? And who would be willing to become his relatives by marriage?" He further remarked on Rong Dingkun's ruthlessness being "truly unique through the ages."
When Rong Dingkun asked if he came to avenge his sister, Meng Xu'an clarified, "I'm here to let your family reunite." After their exchange, Meng Xu'an opened the door, smiled at Rong Dingkun in front of the waiting servants, and then departed. Meanwhile, Mrs. Rong confronted Concubine Sun in the main hall, telling her she was not welcome at the birthday banquet because "today came are all lawful wives," implying Concubine Sun's status as a concubine was inappropriate.
When Concubine Sun questioned if she couldn't attend Young Master Jiashang's birthday, Mrs. Rong offered to publicly introduce her as "a concubine of the Rong family," prompting Concubine Sun to leave in displeasure. Yu Zhihui approached Mrs. Rong, complimenting her emerald necklace. Mrs. Rong, pleased, asked about Yang Xiucheng's whereabouts and, remarking that "men are the same, eating from the bowl while looking at the pot," promised to find Yu Zhihui a "better man today."
Mrs. Rong then introduced young talents to Yu Zhihui, and Yu Zhihui chatted happily with them. Rong Fanglin confided in Feng Shizhen about Yu Zhihui, criticizing her for being "busy joking with Secretary Chen's son" and "flirts with men all the time" despite appearing demure in front of Yang Xiucheng. Feng Shizhen suggested Yang Xiucheng was an assertive man capable of making his own decisions.
Rong Fanglin then gossiped about Shiori Hashimoto, revealing she was Rong Jiashang's former girlfriend in Chongqing, both having used fake names, and noted the awkwardness now that Jiashang had a fiancée, Du Lanxin. Feng Shizhen inquired about Rong Jiashang's feelings, and Rong Fanglin claimed he "doesn't care about it," as he would "always live in ease and comfort" with either woman. Back in his study, Rong Dingkun took out Meng Qingzhi's photo, recalling past events.
He then ordered Yang Xiucheng to investigate Meng Xu'an and Yongli Bank. Yang Xiucheng reported that Yongli Bank, established two years prior, had strong ties to both government and gangs but no negative publicity, and had previously rejected his loan application. Realizing Meng Xu'an was the bank's hidden owner, Rong Dingkun concluded that Meng Xu'an was "not easy to deal with" and instructed Yang Xiucheng to closely monitor him.
Later, Meng Xu'an approached Feng Shizhen, assuring her that Guo Dazhuang's issue was resolved and her identity was safe. He mentioned that Rong Jiashang's persistent investigation into the Foundling Home had cost him "a few able men." As Rong Jiashang approached, Meng Xu'an asked Feng Shizhen about her favorite books. She mentioned Western adventure and detective novels.
Meng Xu'an then discussed Agatha Christie, offering her a first edition, a topic Rong Jiashang also demonstrated knowledge of, noting the author's relative obscurity. Feng Shizhen politely declined the valuable book. Meng Xu'an then reflected on how Rong Dingkun had expanded the family business from a "small Western-style building" to its current empire, suggesting to Rong Jiashang that managing such a vast responsibility alone must be difficult and that "it might be better if you have a brother."
Rong Jiashang countered, reminding Meng Xu'an that he too had built his business without siblings and questioned if Meng Xu'an thought his abilities were inferior. Meng Xu'an quickly clarified, "No, no, no, that's not what I mean, please don't misunderstand. Don't look down on the poor young man. It's too early to tell. I'm very optimistic about you. I look forward to your performance." Du Lanxin then joined them, teasing the men for their chatter.
Meng Xu'an seized the opportunity to invite her to dance, which she accepted. Rong Jiashang pulled Feng Shizhen aside, warning her to "stay away" from Meng Xu'an because "he isn't a friend" and has old grudges with the Rong family, advising her "lest you get involved in these affairs." Feng Shizhen retorted, "It's too late," and questioned him about Shiori Hashimoto. Rong Jiashang insisted, "she's not mine," but Feng Shizhen pointed out that "she seems to care about you."
Despite Rong Jiashang's attempts to explain his relationship with Shiori Hashimoto, Feng Shizhen remained unconvinced, saying, "You sent her flowers because you liked her. You sent me flowers to apologize. Don't worry, I won't misunderstand." The ball began, and Rong Jiashang invited Feng Shizhen to dance. He persisted in asking why she had invited him to dance at the New Metropolis Club previously. She retorted, "Why are you still thinking about this?"
He insisted, "For me, it was more than a dance." During the partner swap, Shiori Hashimoto actively approached Rong Jiashang, while Feng Shizhen danced with Meng Xu'an. Meng Xu'an noted Feng Shizhen's happy demeanor with Rong Jiashang, to which she replied that she had to respond to him for him to confide in her, remarking, "The fish is almost hooked."
Meng Xu'an then cautioned her, "Don't let the fish drag you into the water," reminding her of her true purpose in the Rong family. Feng Shizhen assured him, "Mr. Qi, don't worry, I know my limits and won't delay our plan." Meng Xu'an urged her to remember "why you entered the Rong family in the first place" and to consider her father to "sober you up."
He highlighted the class disparity, stating, "Rong Jiashang is the son of a wealthy family in Shanghai. But you. . . and I am just a poor governess." Feng Shizhen firmly replied, "I know my own status, I'm clear about it. I don't need you to keep reminding me." Meng Xu'an complimented her "stubborn, yet you have to yield" demeanor. He also noted Rong Dingkun's consistent taste in women but his apparent dislike for Feng Shizhen.
Feng Shizhen replied that if his son liked her, the father's opinion was "not that important." Feng Shizhen then danced with Yang Xiucheng, who discreetly questioned her about her conversation with Meng Xu'an. She artfully evaded by claiming Meng Xu'an only asked "some ordinary stuff" about her teaching and her interactions with the Rong family, dismissing him as "a slick guy" she didn't want to talk to.
She then subtly steered the conversation to Yu Zhihui, mentioning Yu Zhihui's feelings for Yang Xiucheng and the dress she borrowed from Mrs. Rong, which Master Rong (Rong Dingkun) had given to Mrs. Rong. Feng Shizhen suggested that Yang Xiucheng and Yu Zhihui were a "perfect match" and should "actively maintain" their "fate." Next, Feng Shizhen danced with Wu Yunchi. He praised her beauty, stating she was like "a different person."
Feng Shizhen replied that her beauty was "only for one night," and she would "change back to myself" after midnight. Wu Yunchi then commented that she didn't "look like you will be poor forever," and tried to flirt, prompting Feng Shizhen to warn him to "watch your words" lest he "might be given a slap."
Later, Meng Xu'an danced with Yu Zhihui and mocked her borrowed dress and cheap jewelry, then propositioned her, saying, "Why don't you consider coming with me? At least, I won't dismiss you with zircon like Rong Dingkun." Enraged, Yu Zhihui slapped him and stormed off. Finally, Rong Jiashang danced with Feng Shizhen again, exclaiming happily, "I got you again. This time I won't let you go." He pressed her for an answer to his earlier question.
Rong Jiashang was just about to confess his feelings when Feng Shizhen, after a moment, whispered, "Since I've met the man I fancy, why would I be unhappy?" The moment was interrupted when Rong Fanglin and Rong Fanghua wheeled in a large birthday cake. Rong Dingkun then announced the engagement of Rong Jiashang and Du Lanxin.
Despite Rong Jiashang's attempt to interrupt, Rong Dingkun declared that the Rong and Du families were becoming "relatives by marriage" and invited everyone to the wedding. He produced a diamond ring, and the guests urged Rong Jiashang to place it on Du Lanxin's finger. Feng Shizhen was visibly shaken and quietly retreated. Meng Xu'an, observing the scene, pulled her away, a move noticed by Rong Jiashang. Outside, Meng Xu'an found Feng Shizhen distressed and told her she could cry.
She revealed she already knew about the engagement, having seen the marriage contract in Rong Dingkun's study. Meng Xu'an explained Rong Dingkun's strategic motives, noting his loss of the Nanyang Route and opium den, and the Du family's wealth and influence, with Mr. Du being "the next associate director of customs," making it a "lucrative deal." He added that with Rong Jiashang now having a fiancée, it "won't be that easy for you to get close to him."
Feng Shizhen retorted confidently, "Mr. Qi, there's no need to boost others' morale. Since I could get Rong Jiashang to invite me back to the Rong residence, I will definitely find a way to keep him charmed." She then added, "Not only a fiancée, Miss Hashimoto of the Hashimoto family was Rong Jiashang's girlfriend when he was in Chongqing," concluding, "With an ex-lover in front and a fiancée behind, Rong Jiashang is truly lucky in love."
Meng Xu'an then warned her, "Even if the fish is on the hook now, it hasn't been reeled in yet. Don't take it lightly," reminding her that their objective was to achieve their goals through Rong Jiashang. Noticing Rong Jiashang approaching, Meng Xu'an intentionally kissed Feng Shizhen, saying he would "give you a hand" to "give him some stimulus" to "make a choice." Rong Jiashang, enraged, stormed over, shouting, "Let her go!"
and attacked Meng Xu'an, who commented on his agility. Rong Jiashang threatened, "If you dare to get close to her again, I'll kill your whole family!" Feng Shizhen tried to intervene, shouting, "Rong Jiashang, what do you want to do? Have you gone mad enough?" but Rong Jiashang dragged her away. Back upstairs, Rong Jiashang angrily scolded Feng Shizhen for being alone with Meng Xu'an, whom he deemed to have "ill intentions."
Feng Shizhen questioned why she should heed his words or seek his permission for her associations, admitting her anger at Meng Xu'an's frivolous behavior but insisting, "it's not your place to scold me!" Rong Jiashang then asked if she preferred "men like Meng Xu'an," who were "older and mature." He kissed her and promised to change, become "the man you like" to "protect you and take care of you," desperately pleading for "a little more time."
Feng Shizhen furiously accused him, saying, "I don't know what you'll become in the future, but you're already the same as those men now. You're going to get married, but at the same time, you're making promises to another woman. Ten minutes ago, you just announced your engagement, and now you turn around and confess to me? Is this what you call love? Why should I like such a man?"
Rong Jiashang denied having "feelings for Du Lanxin at all," claiming his father decided the marriage, which he "can't turn down." Feng Shizhen responded, "I thank you for your love, but I'm sorry, I can't respond to you." Rong Jiashang promised to "deal with Du Lanxin" and "break up the engagement." Feng Shizhen, however, was unconvinced, asking, "How will you handle it? Break off the engagement?
Or do you think a fiancée is for show, and then you have another confidante for tender comfort?" She declared, "We are not right for each other," and announced her intention to leave the Rong family. Rong Jiashang desperately begged her to stay, repeatedly asking for "a little more time." Later, a visibly upset Yu Zhihui, drinking heavily, confided in Feng Shizhen, saying that "vows of eternal love sound good, but they're just after your body."
She expressed her belief that wealthy men like Rong Jiashang "won't take women too seriously" and advised Feng Shizhen not to be fooled by his words. She then lamented, "I am the biggest joke tonight." Feng Shizhen tried to console her, dismissing Meng Xu'an as "just a swindler" who "only said what everyone present wanted to say."
Yu Zhihui, however, continued her self-deprecating remarks, admitting her "borrowed ball gown, cheap jewelry, forced glamour" were "just to fool some idiot and find a rich husband." She further explained, "Miss Feng, you have good English, you should know, Westerners call people like me 'gold diggers.' I myself look down on myself, so no wonder others mock me." Feng Shizhen reminded Yu Zhihui that "who doesn't have shady secrets?" and that many at the ball were "just forcing a smile." Yu Zhihui, however, remained despondent, stating, "I don't see any hope in my own life."
