Girlfriend Episode 28 Recap
> Girlfriend Recap
A woman named Zhao Di abruptly appeared, introducing herself to Jiayi as Gu Yunzhou's childhood sweetheart and his mother's chosen daughter-in-law. Zhao Di accused Jiayi of being presumptuous and bothering Gu Yunzhou, claiming he had complained to her about Jiayi being unreasonable and capricious. Gu Yunzhou immediately denied Zhao Di's fabrications, clarifying that Jiayi was his girlfriend and telling Zhao Di to stop spreading nonsense.
Zhao Di then attempted to emphasize her and Gu Yunzhou's families' long-standing ties and their parents' past talks of an arranged marriage, demanding that Jiayi leave Gu Yunzhou and not interfere with their relationship. Jiayi, upset by the sudden confrontation, told Gu Yunzhou to resolve his issues before coming back to her.
Gu Yunzhou pursued Jiayi, insisting Zhao Di was lying and that his only connection was with Jiayi, even playfully swearing to become a panda and perform the Seaweed Dance in his next life if he was dishonest. Though still a little miffed, Jiayi eventually agreed to go with Gu Yunzhou to watch Wen Xiaonuan's movie, "Blue Sky Galaxy".
Wen Xiaonuan had planned to watch "Blue Sky Galaxy", but while waiting, she overheard other moviegoers comparing her film to "Milky Way", starring Han Hui. They favored "Milky Way" because Wen Xiaonuan was a newcomer and "Blue Sky Galaxy" incorporated Huangmei opera, which they found unappealing. This discussion disheartened Wen Xiaonuan, and she left the theater feeling sad.
Later, when Jiayi and Gu Yunzhou spoke to her, Jiayi praised Wen Xiaonuan's acting, particularly in the wedding scene, but Wen Xiaonuan remained visibly upset. She apologized to Ye Feimo, believing her suggestion to include Huangmei opera elements was the cause of the film's poor box office performance.
Ye Feimo reassured her, explaining that it was too early to lose heart and that he and Li Can, as experienced producers and directors, would not have made such a significant decision lightly based on her suggestion alone. He used the "butterfly effect" analogy, telling her that she was the "butterfly" bringing Huangmei opera to the wider audience, and that Huangmei opera itself was the "tornado" with immense power.
He encouraged her to persist, likening it to the spirit of opera where the performance must continue once the gong is struck, regardless of circumstances. He emphasized that it's normal for new things to face skepticism and that her focus should be on how to make people accept it faster. He then jokingly instructed her to run laps to improve her on-screen appearance.
Public sentiment soon turned, with news reports highlighting "Blue Sky Galaxy"'s low box office and Li Can's career facing a "going downhill" crisis. Determined to help, Wen Xiaonuan developed detailed promotional ideas for Huangmei opera, suggesting a series of short videos explaining the art form's unique body movements, singing styles, and origins. Li Can and Zhou Xiaojing reviewed her proposal and were greatly impressed, agreeing that her approach would help the public understand and accept the traditional art.
Meanwhile, Han Hui, frustrated that "Blue Sky Galaxy" continued to receive a 100% film row piece rate while her film "Milky Way", released at the same time, received less priority, intentionally tried to manipulate Jiang Ling'er. She implied that Jiang Fang's continued strong support for "Blue Sky Galaxy" was due to his lingering affection for Wen Xiaonuan, advising Jiang Ling'er to charm Jiang Fang into changing his decision.
Jiang Ling'er, influenced by Han Hui's words, confronted Jiang Fang, accusing him of prioritizing Wen Xiaonuan over their company's main investment, "Milky Way". Jiang Fang adamantly defended his decision, stating it was a professional business judgment, bound by contract with Anning, and that "Blue Sky Galaxy" was a dark horse that would ultimately benefit Yaohua.
Unconvinced and refusing to back down, Jiang Ling'er asserted her authority as the company's second major shareholder and applied for arbitration to reduce "Blue Sky Galaxy"'s film row piece rate, citing damage to company interests from its low box office. Internally, Anning executives were deeply concerned about "Blue Sky Galaxy"'s low box office and negative public reception, arguing for immediate cost-cutting measures and reduced promotional spending. They noted that most theater chains, except Yaohua, had already reduced the film's showtime.
Even Yaohua's senior management was reportedly pressuring Jiang Fang to follow suit. Despite the growing pressure, Ye Feimo remained confident in the film's quality, asserting that it was not a typical commercial film and required more time for audiences to appreciate it.
Jiang Fang later arranged a meeting with Ye Feimo, not to discuss reducing showtimes, but to admit his precarious position and ask for help in managing the urgent situation, saying he might not be able to hold out much longer. Ye Feimo confidently assured him that he would take charge of the situation. Inspired by Wen Xiaonuan playfully humming a Huangmei opera tune, Ye Feimo decided to record her performance as a promotional video.
Though Li Can initially found the idea "childish" and "too small-scale," Ye Feimo convinced him that any content that brings joy and encourages sharing is effective promotion in their evolving industry. Wen Xiaonuan's first Huangmei opera short video was an immediate success, captivating audiences with its charming and humorous portrayal. The video quickly went viral, leading to a planned series of similar content.
Her short videos consistently held the top spot in viewership, and the buzz around "Blue Sky Galaxy" and Huangmei opera continued to surge. Renowned figures within the Huangmei opera community also endorsed her, further boosting the film's profile. Consequently, "Blue Sky Galaxy"'s attendance rate at Yaohua theaters climbed by 10%, attracting a younger demographic. While out, Wen Xiaonuan and Ye Feimo were recognized by enthusiastic fans who eagerly requested autographs and photos. Ye Feimo, however, discreetly managed the interaction.
He later explained to Wen Xiaonuan that while he fully intended to go public with their relationship, it was not the right time, as the public spotlight on their romance might overshadow her hard work and lead people to believe her success was solely due to his influence at Anning. Wen Xiaonuan acknowledged his support, affirming that his presence had indeed empowered her. As "Blue Sky Galaxy"'s fortunes began to reverse, Han Hui grew increasingly resentful.
She confronted Jiang Fang again, furious that he continued to grant "Blue Sky Galaxy" a 100% film row piece rate, while her film, "Milky Way", released at the same time, received less priority. Jiang Fang reiterated his contractual obligation to Anning and pointed out that "Blue Sky Galaxy"'s success also benefited Yaohua. Han Hui accused him of exploiting his position to favor his ex-girlfriend, Wen Xiaonuan, and reminded him of his status as "Jiang Ling'er's husband."
She threatened to expose the complicated emotional entanglements between Jiang Fang, Wen Xiaonuan, and Jiang Ling'er if he did not comply with her demands. Overhearing the confrontation, Jiang Ling'er, determined to prevent public humiliation, preemptively handed over "proof" of Ye Feimo and Wen Xiaonuan's relationship to a paparazzo, ensuring the news would break on her terms.
