Never-Ending Summer Episode 27 Recap
> Never-Ending Summer Recaps
Jiang Yan finally uncovered the truth, realizing that Zhou Wan's ultimate goal in her quest was to go after Lu Zhongyue. Meanwhile, Zhou Wan and Lu Xixiao were fully enjoying their sweet cohabitation. At home, Zhou Wan tried to discuss tomorrow's meeting regarding independent IP, presenting a preselected list of suitable partner companies. Lu Xixiao playfully reminded her of her promise not to bring work home.
To soothe his irritation, Zhou Wan fed him some konjac jelly, which quickly turned into a romantic game as he teasingly complained that it was still not enough. The next day at the office, Lu Xixiao outlined his vision to build Lanyue Group's own IP. Since they lacked experience, he suggested finding a partner with relevant expertise. An employee mentioned Shengshi Huayu, although rumors suggested they had shut down their theme parks due to operational issues.
Lu Xixiao believed there was more to the story. Their assistant, Xin'er, added that she had contacted Lena, the head of Shengshi Huayu's Pingchuan branch. Lena was open to a meeting, but she insisted on discussing the matter with Lu Xixiao in person. To avoid any potential misunderstandings—especially after his team teased that Lena was a legendary beauty—Lu Xixiao insisted that Zhou Wan accompany him.
Upon arriving at the meeting venue, Zhou Wan and Lu Xixiao waited for over an hour. Unbeknownst to them, Lena was quietly observing Lu Xixiao from a high glass window before finally instructing her assistant to bring them upstairs. When they met, Lu Xixiao was stunned to realize that Lena was actually Lin Na, a girl he had briefly dated during the summer after the college entrance exam during a period of heartbreak.
Lin Na playfully brought up how Lu Xixiao used to always be late and eventually canceled on her, noting that making him wait today made them even. She then informed them that her headquarters had rejected Lanyue's partnership proposal. Sensing a deeper issue, Lu Xixiao asked if the rejection was related to the closure of their theme parks. When she remained tight-lipped, Lu Xixiao asked for some time to paint a special gift for their president.
While Lu Xixiao was busy painting, Lin Na and Zhou Wan sat down for a chat. Lin Na easily guessed that Zhou Wan was his girlfriend and reassured her that she and Lu Xixiao had only met a few times years ago. She recalled him as distant and emotionally stunted, but seeing him today, she realized he simply saved his warmth for Zhou Wan.
The two women quickly bonded, with Zhou Wan jokingly agreeing with Lin Na's critiques of Lu Xixiao's grumpy face, heavy sweating, and towering height that made them both look short. Once the painting was finished, Lin Na was highly impressed by Lu Xixiao's talent as the artist L. Lu Xixiao explained that this was his first piece not set in winter, inspired by the president's tragic love story.
He hoped the president would reconsider their proposal for Lanyue to fund and Shengshi Huayu to operate a new resort IP. He quickly added that all his inspiration came from Zhou Wan, showcasing a strong sense of romantic self-preservation that amused Lin Na. On the way back, Zhou Wan playfully teased Lu Xixiao about bringing his current girlfriend to meet his ex.
Lu Xixiao explained the impulsive reason he had agreed to date Lin Na years ago—he had just received a transfer notification from Zhou Wan to pay him back, and in his heartbreak, he said yes to someone else, though nothing ever happened. He then performed a magic trick, pulling out a balloon to ask Zhou Wan if she wanted to date him. Zhou Wan smiled, asking if they weren't already dating.
Soon after, Shengshi Huayu's president agreed to the partnership on one condition: L must personally lead the core visual design. The Lanyue team celebrated the successful deal, and Lu Xixiao agreed to foot the bill for a celebratory meal. Later, Zhou Wan and Lu Xixiao visited the graves of her father and grandmother. Standing before them, Lu Xixiao introduced himself as her boyfriend and promised to protect and care for her always.
Seeing her family's resting place brought back painful memories for Zhou Wan. She remembered her father's warmth and the subsequent tragedy when his factory failed, ruined by Lu Zhongyue's cold-blooded schemes. Zhou Wan vowed to clear her father's name and expose the truth. Though she hesitated because Lu Zhongyue was Lu Xixiao's father, Lu Xixiao promised to stand by her side no matter what.
Zhou Wan shared a new lead: Yinshan Furniture Factory, which was acquired during Lanyue's Phase II project. The factory, once known for its strict quality control in Jinsha Bay, suddenly suffered massive product quality failures just as Lanyue was buying up land. She suspected Lu Zhongyue had used the same framing tactics he used on her father. They decided to visit Jinsha Bay together to look for evidence.
They found the bankrupt owner, Director Wang, living in a cramped rental house with his mother and young daughter, Lili. At first, Director Wang's mother was defensive, thinking they were there to demand debt payments. But Zhou Wan explained she had been through similar hardships and wanted to help. She left her contact information, offering to assist with the factory and even sponsor Lili's education.
Meanwhile, Jiang Fan's mother finalized the sale of her house and handed over the keys to the agent. She then called Jiang Fan to let him know she would transfer the money to him soon. Back in Jinsha Bay, Director Wang returned to his family, stressed and debt-ridden. He warned his daughter Lili not to trust strangers, but his mother and Lili defended Zhou Wan and Lu Xixiao, believing they were good people. Director Wang agreed to meet them.
That night, Lu Xixiao lovingly prepared a soft-boiled egg for Zhou Wan. While eating, they reminisced about their childhood. Zhou Wan admitted she used to avoid him because she feared being a burden, but Lu Xixiao reassured her that she was never a bother and that he loved when she relied on him, promising to treat her even better in the future. Later that night, Jiang Yan visited Director Wang's home alone, bringing a gift.
He lied and said he was working with Zhou Wan and Lu Xixiao, using this connection to gain Director Wang's trust. Believing they were on the same team, Director Wang handed over all his collected evidence—accounting records, chat logs, and proof of the distributor's private dealings with Lu Zhongyue.
The next day, Zhou Wan and Lu Xixiao arrived at Director Wang's home, only to learn from Lili and Director Wang that a man named Jiang had come by the previous night and taken all the files. Zhou Wan soon received a message from Jiang Yan asking to meet privately. They met at an open field near the old factory site, a place full of childhood memories for Zhou Wan.
Jiang Yan revealed he had reviewed Director Wang's materials, but noted that the distributor involved was not the same one who ruined Zhou Wan's father's factory. Jiang Yan confessed that with his position as Strategic Director, it was easy to access Phase I archives and uncover her secret. He showed her evidence of project irregularities involving Hengtong Raw Material Supply Co., Ltd. and Lanyue Group.
Jiang Yan told Zhou Wan that he could do anything Lu Xixiao could do, and even what Lu Xixiao could not. He promised to help her expose Lu Zhongyue and offer her a better life if she returned to his side, just like when they were children.
