City of Streamer Episode 25 Recap
> City of Streamer Recap
Rong Jiashang advised Du Lanxin to distance herself from Yang Xiucheng. He revealed that Shiori Hashimoto had given his father, Rong Dingkun, a photograph showing Du Lanxin and Yang Xiucheng together in a Hangzhou hotel lobby. Though only Yang Xiucheng's back was visible, Du Lanxin was incensed, acknowledging her growing affection for Yang Xiucheng. She called Shiori a troublesome ex-girlfriend and wondered why Rong Dingkun hadn't broken off the engagement.
Rong Jiashang explained that the Rong and Du families were in a crucial business partnership, and his father would not risk disgracing the Du family and losing the deal, considering his son's marriage as inconsequential compared to wealth. He then reaffirmed his own long-standing opposition to their engagement, suggesting it was time to end the farce. He then questioned Du Lanxin's seriousness with Yang Xiucheng, to which she admitted that while it wasn't serious initially, "Maybe" it was now.
A servant brought mutton noodles, which Rong Jiashang had ordered. Du Lanxin, upon smelling the mutton, suddenly felt nauseous and vomited. Rong Jiashang expressed concern, but she quickly dismissed it, attributing her discomfort to having eaten too much seafood. She then announced she was returning home and asked Rong Jiashang to convey her apologies to his parents, adding that they could discuss the annulment of their engagement later. Rong Jiashang offered to drive her home.
Later, Du Lanxin privately met Yang Xiucheng in a hallway, where she revealed her pregnancy, which she believed occurred on a train to Hangzhou. She told him that Rong Jiashang likely suspected their relationship due to her unwell state. Yang Xiucheng was apprehensive, stating he could not publicly break ties with the Rong family at that moment. Du Lanxin accused him of cowardice and reminded him that he had no real standing in the Rong family, practically a "lackey."
She said that while Rong Dingkun would not harm her because of her family's status, Yang Xiucheng was "nothing" in his eyes and would face severe consequences for betrayal. Du Lanxin then questioned if his past promises of a child and a future were merely to "sleep with me." Yang Xiucheng claimed the situation was "all very sudden" and he was "just not ready."
Disheartened, Du Lanxin declared she would schedule an abortion the following day if he wished to "avoid bigger trouble." Yang Xiucheng quickly intervened, affirming that he would take responsibility. He pleaded with her to have the baby, promising they would stay together, raise the child, and that he would take her away from Shanghai as soon as possible. Unbeknownst to them, Rong Fanglin happened to be nearby and overheard their entire conversation, leaving her shocked and in tears.
Xiao Baoli's latest film was a massive success, turning her into an overnight sensation. At her premiere, she was swarmed by reporters eager for interviews. Meng Xu'an arrived to escort her, effectively creating a path through the crowd, and later hosted a lavish celebration dinner in her honor. Feng Shizhen was invited to Xiao Baoli's film premiere. Rong Jiashang attended with Du Lanxin, and Shiori Hashimoto was also present.
Shiori approached Feng Shizhen and made critical remarks about her dress, suggesting it was borrowed and implying she had many friends from whom she could borrow different attire each time they met. Du Lanxin, observing the exchange, subtly urged Rong Jiashang to intervene and handle the situation. Rong Jiashang then spoke to Feng Shizhen privately.
He updated her on his investigation into her family's past, stating that his men found no records of a missing Lady Bai in Guojia Town, nor any useful information in police files regarding the murder. However, he uncovered that shortly after the tragedy, a man reported his young daughter missing after falling into the water, with no body found. The police dismissed him, leaving no details.
Feng Shizhen was visibly distressed, believing this report was about her, and suspected the killer had filed it to confirm her death, or worse, to locate her and silence her. Rong Jiashang promised to pursue this new lead, reassuring her that his trusted men would act discreetly to protect her. Following a beautiful song, Feng Shizhen found a young boy in a wheelchair drawing.
He introduced himself as Meng Jiushao, Meng Xu'an's ninth brother, and asked Feng Shizhen to model for him. She agreed, and he quickly sketched her portrait, which she praised. However, Meng Jiushao suddenly became agitated, exclaiming that the drawing was "wrong," and violently defaced it with his brush. He then threw his painting knife and fell from his wheelchair, his frenzy continuing.
He then composed himself, smiling, and asked Feng Shizhen to help him up, promising not to tell his brother she had "broken into my room." As she reached out, he suddenly grabbed the painting knife and lunged at her hand. Meng Xu'an rushed in, ordering his men to sedate Meng Jiushao immediately. Feng Shizhen, still shaken, apologized to Meng Xu'an, explaining that she had unwittingly entered the room and only learned Meng Jiushao's identity from him.
Meng Xu'an, unperturbed, assured her that he had plans to reveal his brother's existence to all of Shanghai soon. Feng Shizhen then relayed Rong Jiashang's news about Shiori Hashimoto's offer to marry him with the Gold Kylin as her dowry, effectively replacing Du Lanxin. Meng Xu'an, aware of Rong Jiashang's popularity, suspected a deeper plot than a simple marriage and instructed Feng Shizhen to continue monitoring the situation.
He concluded by warning her to "stay away from my brother," adding that next time, Meng Jiushao "may hold something worse than a painting knife." Rong Fanglin was later found crying alone. Feng Shizhen approached her, offering comfort and promising to keep her secrets. Rong Fanglin confessed her confusion, asking why someone engaged would still fall for another person.
Feng Shizhen, referencing Tang Xianzu's quote "love once begun would never end," explained that emotions are often beyond control, leading to life's many joys and sorrows, and that love itself could be considered a form of luck. She assured Rong Fanglin that she, too, would one day find her own luck in love. Feng Shizhen's father read aloud from a newspaper about an upcoming charity auction at the city museum, which Xiao Baoli was set to attend.
He noted that Rong Dingkun and a Japanese individual named Hashimoto Shozo would also be present. He expressed concern that foreign powers were acquiring Chinese cultural relics. Feng Shizhen, recalling Meng Xu'an's earlier words about revealing his brother to Shanghai, wondered if Meng Xu'an planned to make a move at the auction. Meanwhile, Rong Jiashang presented Rong Dingkun with a meticulously crafted replica of the Gold Kylin, made by Zhu Laojiu.
Rong Jiashang proposed anonymously auctioning this fake Gold Kylin to resolve the current issues, and then finally ending his engagement with Du Lanxin. Rong Dingkun agreed, anticipating a dramatic scene at the auction. Feng Shizhen sought out Xiao Baoli, requesting to attend the auction as her assistant. Meng Xu'an overheard their conversation and, correctly deducing Feng Shizhen's concern for Rong Jiashang, offered to take her as his companion instead, despite his warning that Rong Jiashang might not appreciate her concern.
He later arranged for a new dress and jewelry from Printemps for Feng Shizhen to wear. Hashimoto Shozo considered bringing Hashimoto Taiichi to the auction as an opportunity for Taiichi to meet Shanghai's elite, potentially for marriage. However, he worried about Taiichi's delicate health. Shiori Hashimoto volunteered to accompany Taiichi and ensure his care. On the day of the auction, Rong Dingkun arrived with Rong Jiashang, Du Lanxin, Mrs. Rong, Rong Fanglin, and Rong Fanghua.
Shortly after, Hashimoto Shozo arrived with Shiori Hashimoto and Hashimoto Taiichi. The two families exchanged greetings. Hashimoto Shozo admired Rong Dingkun's daughters and suggested that Rong Fanglin accompany Hashimoto Taiichi. Rong Dingkun consented, encouraging Fanglin to socialize. The two patriarchs then alluded to a mysterious auction item, with Hashimoto Shozo jokingly asking Rong Dingkun to go easy on the bidding if it was something he desired. Rong Dingkun reciprocated, promising not to bid if Hashimoto Shozo was interested.
Feng Shizhen entered the auction with Meng Xu'an, who exchanged polite words with Rong Dingkun before they proceeded into the hall. During introductions, Meng Xu'an clarified his connection to Feng Shizhen, explaining she was his "junior" under their shared teacher, Mr. Pei. Du Lanxin made a sarcastic remark about Meng Xu'an becoming Rong Jiashang's "senior uncle," which Rong Jiashang swiftly dismissed.
The auction began with the Ruismo Auction Company's chairman explaining that all proceeds would benefit frontline soldiers and martyrs' families. Xiao Baoli unveiled the first item: a pigeon-blood ruby necklace with a starting bid of 500 silver dollars. Bids quickly escalated. Meng Xu'an bid 1,000, remarking to Feng Shizhen that the necklace would suit her fair skin. Rong Jiashang commented on Meng Xu'an's ostentatious bidding.
When Feng Shizhen questioned Meng Xu'an about his generosity, he denied it was a gift, then warned her not to provoke "my girl" again. Rong Jiashang immediately countered with a bid of 1,500.
