Count Your Lucky Stars Episode 8 Recap
> Count Your Lucky Stars Recap
Lu Yanzhi was troubled by the leak of Tong Xiaoyou's design theme when his mother, Cheng zong, entered his office. Noticing her son's change from his usual cheerful demeanor, Cheng zong surprisingly felt the leak was a good thing, as it finally made Lu Yanzhi take company matters seriously. She was there to discuss Tong Xiaoyou's future, as it had been three days since the incident.
Soon, other office colleagues overheard Cheng zong's angry outburst, much to Wu Meng's secret delight. Cheng zong was adamant that Tong Xiaoyou should not remain in the company, which put unexpected pressure on Lu Yanzhi. Although Tong Xiaoyou was on leave, she still felt guilty and came to the office, hoping to mitigate some of the losses.
Coincidentally, she overheard Lu Yanzhi's argument with his mother, who questioned why Lu Yanzhi didn't want to fire Tong Xiaoyou, stating there were many other designers to replace her and that merely firing her was already lenient for leaking confidential information. Lu Yanzhi insisted that as Tong Xiaoyou’s direct boss, the decision to fire her rested with him, even declaring he would leave with her if she was dismissed.
Tong Xiaoyou approached Lu Yanzhi, admitting that the design leak had left her feeling uncertain. She shared her new ideas for the autumn collection but confessed to lacking confidence in finalizing the style. Lu Yanzhi gently comforted her, assuring her that she remained the chief designer until an official announcement was made. He then suggested they visit a few places to relax, hoping she might find new inspiration. They spent a delightful time at an amusement park.
Tong Xiaoyou sincerely thanked Lu Yanzhi, explaining that her frequent apologies stemmed from her "unlucky fate" which often caused trouble for others. Lu Yanzhi invited her to dinner, reiterating his belief in her innocence regarding the leak. He acknowledged that his sole belief wasn't enough, and encouraged her to prove herself to the company by developing a new autumn theme.
He prompted her to recall their stops at the amusement park, game arcade, and ball pit, suggesting she draw design elements from the children's bright smiles, the vibrant lights, and the cartoon-themed games, as these aligned with the season's popular trends. When Tong Xiaoyou asked how he found inspiration, Lu Yanzhi revealed that some of his ideas came from her, particularly when he observed her.
Just as he was about to confess more, Tong Xiaoyou interrupted him, leaving him to gaze at her with affection. Meanwhile, a calm Lu Xingcheng gathered his courage and picked up his paintbrush, making a few strokes on the paper. However, the memory of the car accident still haunted him, causing his hand to lose its vigor. Wen Xi sought out Song Ruru, hoping she would help her cultivate a public image.
Song Ruru advised Wen Xi to stop tarnishing Lu Xingcheng's reputation and exploiting him for hype, and urged her not to harm Tong Xiaoyou. Disgusted by Wen Xi's constant pretense, Song Ruru left. Seeking inspiration, Tong Xiaoyou went to a bar and had a few drinks. She saw a man harassing Wen Xi and immediately intervened, loudly scolding him until he left. Later, Lu Xingcheng received a call from a drunken Tong Xiaoyou, informing him she was at the bar.
He rushed to pick her up. Tong Xiaoyou confronted Wen Xi, questioning why she repeatedly exploited Lu Xingcheng. Wen Xi, feeling deeply wronged, tearfully confessed that she didn't want this life. She admitted that the book attributed to her was ghostwritten, and she yearned for juice but had to pretend to like bitter coffee, stating she had no other choice to succeed after debuting at age fifteen. After unburdening herself, Wen Xi called a car and left with her manager.
Tong Xiaoyou fell asleep outside, waiting for Lu Xingcheng, who found her adorable upon arrival. On the drive home, Tong Xiaoyou expressed her despair at finding no inspiration and feared disappointing Lu Yanzhi. Lu Xingcheng, however, encouraged her to value effort and persistence over luck. The next morning, Tong Xiaoyou was distracted while preparing breakfast. Lu Xingcheng urged her to fight back against the false accusations and promised to reveal a solution if she treated him to a meal.
They went to Brother Bao's noodle house. The reporter who had slandered Tong Xiaoyou was surprised to see her with Lu Xingcheng, but seeing their seemingly close relationship, he did not question it further. Tong Xiaoyou was also surprised to realize that the reporter Lu Xingcheng had arranged to meet was the one who had falsely accused her.
Due to Lu Xingcheng's influence, the reporter confessed the truth: Wu Meng had paid him 30,000 yuan to leak Yan Ge's autumn theme and frame Tong Xiaoyou, even using Tong Xiaoyou's supposed "threat" as part of the story. The reporter provided the transfer records and audio recordings as proof. Tong Xiaoyou realized that despite his current situation, Lu Xingcheng was still incredibly resourceful.
Lu Xingcheng then advised her to focus her energy on the autumn theme and "win this battle" rather than seeking immediate revenge against Wu Meng. At a bookstore, Wen Xi accidentally bumped into Mu Yang, spilling a drink on his clothes. Mu Yang, irritated by her constant exploitation of Lu Xingcheng, expressed his displeasure.
Wen Xi, sensing that the rumors of a "love-hate" relationship between Mu Yang and Lu Xingcheng might be true, handed him her business card, offering to pay for the soiled clothes, then left briskly. Wen Xi was later introduced as Yan Ge's newly signed model. Her first encounter with Tong Xiaoyou was immediately tense, prompting Lu Yanzhi to quickly mediate. Wen Xi soon departed.
Cheng zong convened a company meeting, which Tong Xiaoyou chose to attend, believing that avoidance was cowardly. Cheng zong opened the meeting by addressing the theme leak. Wu Meng attempted to incite further action against Tong Xiaoyou, but Tong Xiaoyou promptly presented the reporter's recording, proving her innocence and exposing Wu Meng. She then triumphantly presented her new autumn collection proposal, titled "Mature Innocence," describing its pink palette and explaining how she would elaborate on styles, fabrics, colors, and patterns.
It was revealed that her inspiration for "Mature Innocence" stemmed from a visit with Lu Xingcheng to a unique store. Lu Xingcheng had shown her how to find inspiration in intricate displays, explaining the art of balancing different elements. Observing him, Tong Xiaoyou realized that he embodied a blend of maturity and childishness, which became the core of her new design theme. After the meeting, Cheng zong called Tong Xiaoyou, Wu Meng, and Lu Yanzhi into her office.
Tong Xiaoyou chose not to pursue charges against Wu Meng, and Lu Yanzhi also spoke up for Wu Meng, suggesting she be given another chance to atone for her misdeeds due to her talent. Cheng zong then admitted she had underestimated Tong Xiaoyou. Seeing that the storm over the design leak had passed, Lu Yanzhi granted Tong Xiaoyou half a day off. Tong Xiaoyou excitedly returned home to share her victory with Lu Xingcheng.
However, he warned her that Wu Meng would undoubtedly seek an opportunity to retaliate with greater malice. Lu Xingcheng then asked Tong Xiaoyou to retrieve some books and clean clothes from his house. Tong Xiaoyou sincerely thanked him, acknowledging that despite his often-harsh words, he had genuinely helped her. She then left to fulfill his request.
