Girlfriend Episode 17 Recap
> Girlfriend Recap
Gu Yunzhou led Jiayi to his secret garden, a place he revealed he had never brought anyone else before. He confessed that while he was not a poor part-timer and came from a privileged background, he carried immense, unimaginable responsibilities and pressures, using this garden as his personal sanctuary. He explained that he wanted to show her his most genuine, direct, and pure self, without any reservations.
Jiayi questioned why he hadn't been frank earlier, to which he admitted his fear that she wouldn't accept his true identity. He then expressed his profound feelings, telling her that she had been etched into his mind since their first encounter and had taught him the true essence of sincerity and care, making him certain she was the one he had been waiting for. Gu Yunzhou's heartfelt confession deeply moved Jiayi.
Jiayi, acknowledging they were no longer children and needed to be responsible for their actions, agreed to be with him, valuing the happiness of each present moment above potential future arguments. The two then happily embraced. Having woken up but still very weak after fainting due to low blood sugar and poor health, Wen Xiaonuan apologized to Ye Feimo, believing the male lead's withdrawal from "Blue Sky Galaxy" was her fault and worried about the massive investment.
Ye Feimo, though deeply concerned, sternly rebuked her, calling her fragile and overestimating her, questioning how she could collapse over such a minor issue despite her initial determination to excel as the lead actress. Wen Xiaonuan defended herself, explaining she didn't want to bring shame to herself or him.
Ye Feimo then softened, revealing that an international film emperor had already taken on the male lead role and assured her that the previous actor's withdrawal was not her fault, urging her to focus on her recovery without worry. Touched that he silently bore all the pressure for her, Wen Xiaonuan promised not to worry him again. Ye Feimo reminded her that as Anning's S-Lister and a valuable company asset, she must not harm herself.
He then left, citing urgent business, with Zhou Xiaojing taking over her care. Ye Feimo arranged a meeting with Han Hui, who was delighted, assuming he still held feelings for her. However, Ye Feimo, hinting at his changed preferences, quickly shifted the conversation to the male lead's withdrawal from "Blue Sky Galaxy".
He subtly accused Han Hui of orchestrating the male lead's withdrawal, presenting evidence that she had instigated Jiang Ling'er—the current girlfriend of Wen Xiaonuan's ex-boyfriend, Jiang Fang—to persuade the male lead to resign. Despite Han Hui's attempt to feign innocence and offer help, Ye Feimo expressed his disdain.
He then informed her that he was merely a titular producer for "Blue Sky Galaxy" and suggested she directly approach Miss Cheng, the actual project operator and his mother, if she wished to secure the leading role, implying it would be more effective. Han Hui, though dismayed by his "cruel" move and knowing Miss Cheng's unfavorable opinion of her, called Miss Cheng.
Miss Cheng, initially annoyed by the call interrupting her shopping, agreed to meet Han Hui the following evening at the GK Hotel restaurant. Immediately after, Miss Cheng purchased a beautiful new dress, explicitly stating it was for her "daughter-in-law." Wen Xiaonuan, feeling much better, assured Zhou Xiaojing of her newfound resilience. After a call from Miss Cheng, Zhou Xiaojing informed Wen Xiaonuan that they must attend a "major battle" the following evening.
To prepare, Zhou Xiaojing subjected Wen Xiaonuan to intensive physical training, focusing on posture and expression, then took her for a full transformation at a beauty salon, turning her into a beautiful fairy-like figure. Meanwhile, Han Hui meticulously prepared herself for the same event, strategically choosing an outfit and makeup to cultivate a "pitiful" and "soft" image, aiming to appear less threatening to the notoriously strong Miss Cheng and achieve her goals.
As they approached the venue, Wen Xiaonuan was surprised to learn that Han Hui would also be present, there to contend for the "Blue Sky Galaxy" leading role. Overwhelmed by Han Hui's status as an international superstar, Wen Xiaonuan expressed deep insecurity, viewing herself as an "ugly duckling" and wanting to retreat. Zhou Xiaojing, though initially disappointed, harshly confronted Wen Xiaonuan, highlighting her lack of confidence compared to Han Hui's persistent effort.
She stressed the unforgiving nature of the industry and the constant threat of replacement, urging Wen Xiaonuan to embrace the challenge as a testament to her worth and to justify the efforts of everyone, including Ye Feimo and herself, who were supporting her. Inspired by Zhou Xiaojing's words, Wen Xiaonuan resolved to face Han Hui and prove her detractors wrong. Gu Yunzhou gossiped with Ye Feimo about the impending meeting between Han Hui and Miss Cheng, anticipating a dramatic confrontation.
Ye Feimo feigned indifference, dismissing any concerns about his mother's capabilities. However, the moment Gu Yunzhou left, Ye Feimo immediately called Zhou Xiaojing to inquire about Wen Xiaonuan. Learning that Wen Xiaonuan was not only accompanying Miss Cheng but would also confront Han Hui, Ye Feimo became visibly distressed, arguing that Wen Xiaonuan was still recovering and expressing concern that his mother might be pushing her too hard and that it might be counterproductive.
He questioned Zhou Xiaojing why she didn't intervene, but Zhou Xiaojing confidently asserted that Wen Xiaonuan was capable and that Ye Feimo should trust Miss Cheng's judgment, as she held Wen Xiaonuan in high regard. Upon their arrival, Miss Cheng warmly welcomed Wen Xiaonuan, inviting her to sit. Her demeanor completely shifted towards Han Hui, whom she greeted coldly.
Han Hui attempted to present a diamond brooch as a gift, but Miss Cheng immediately rejected it, deeming it too "frivolous" and unsuitable for her age, then promptly re-gifted it to Wen Xiaonuan, praising how well it suited her. Miss Cheng then brought up the incident where Ye Feimo had Wen Xiaonuan wear the Rose Tears necklace and publicly declared her his girlfriend.
Wen Xiaonuan, flustered, tried to explain that Miss Cheng had misunderstood their platonic relationship, clarifying that Ye Feimo's declaration was merely to help her out and the necklace was only borrowed for her dress and returned the next day. However, Miss Cheng dismissed her explanations, telling her not to be nervous and to simply embrace the role of the Ye family's daughter-in-law.
Miss Cheng's stance indicated not only a lack of opposition but also a strong satisfaction with Wen Xiaonuan, assuring her she would not make things difficult. This unexpected approval left Wen Xiaonuan deeply uneasy, causing her to wonder if Miss Cheng had completely misinterpreted her intentions and to question why Zhou Xiaojing had dressed her so elaborately without any prior explanation.
