Girlfriend Episode 32 Recap
> Girlfriend Recap
Following up on the previous episode where Han Hui posted photos highlighting her resemblance to Wen Xiaonuan, the images sparked widespread discussion among the film crew. Wen Xiaonuan, upon seeing them and hearing lines from the movie, grew unsettled. Her discomfort intensified when Han Hui appeared on set in an identical costume and makeup, fueling speculation that the plot of "Twin Flowers" mirrored the real-life dynamic between the two women and Ye Feimo.
A throng of reporters, arranged by Han Hui's company for the wrap-up, ambushed the set, aggressively questioning if the film was a direct reference to their personal story. Director Li Can was visibly displeased with Han Hui's unauthorized change, but she cleverly argued that the similar styling would enhance the "ultimate showdown" between the two female leads, turning the scene into a major highlight. Surprisingly, Wen Xiaonuan agreed, asserting her professionalism required her to handle any challenge.
During the climactic scene, Han Hui’s character, Zhang Xuan, forcefully confronted Wen Xiaonuan’s character, Man. Zhang Xuan claimed that Man was merely a substitute, brought into the life of the male lead, Yue, by his family who disliked Zhang Xuan. She insisted Man was only loved because she looked like her. Man retorted that Zhang Xuan had abandoned Yue for her own career and wealth, leaving him heartbroken.
She emphasized that Yue was a person, not a plaything to be discarded and reclaimed at will, and that she was the one who had been there for Yue in his darkest hours, helping him heal and believe in love again. Man accused Zhang Xuan's motives of being selfish possessiveness, not love. Angered, Zhang Xuan declared that Man would always be her substitute and slapped her.
Man retaliated, stating that Zhang Xuan didn't understand love and didn't deserve it, before delivering a powerful slap in return. The crew erupted in applause, praising the scene's intensity. Immediately after "Twin Flowers" wrapped, Wen Xiaonuan was deeply affected, haunted by the movie's theme of being a substitute. Ye Feimo tried to comfort her, but she was distraught, questioning if he saw her as a substitute for Han Hui in real life.
When Ye Feimo hesitated to give a firm denial, her fears seemed confirmed. Overwhelmed, Wen Xiaonuan declared she would not be anyone's substitute and abruptly left in a car. Ye Feimo desperately chased after her until he collapsed from intense stomach pain, still calling out her name. Ye Feimo was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He instructed his friends Gu Yunzhou and Li Can to keep his illness a secret from everyone, especially his mother and Wen Xiaonuan.
Gu Yunzhou was pained by the news, noting his friend’s lifelong habit of shouldering burdens alone. However, Li Can argued against telling Wen Xiaonuan, citing her fragile emotional state. He surmised that Ye Feimo was determined to break up with her, preferring she resent him for the rest of her life rather than endure the pain of watching him die. Lost in her thoughts, Wen Xiaonuan was shaken when Jiayi informed her that Ye Feimo had collapsed and was hospitalized.
She immediately called Gu Yunzhou for the details and rushed to the hospital. Upon arrival, she found Han Hui already in Ye Feimo's room, feigning concern. This scene only deepened her misunderstanding. Faced with his terminal illness and resolved to spare her suffering, Ye Feimo decided to push her away for good. He cruelly proposed a breakup.
When Wen Xiaonuan tearfully asked if it was because of Han Hui, Ye Feimo affirmed it, stating that Han Hui was, is, and always would be the only one he truly loved. In a devastating blow, Ye Feimo confirmed Wen Xiaonuan was indeed just a substitute. He admitted that while she had a charming side, he realized upon Han Hui's return that he had never loved Wen Xiaonuan, "not even for a second."
Heartbroken, Wen Xiaonuan declared her hatred for him and left. After her departure, Ye Feimo broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. When Han Hui attempted to console him and restart their relationship, he coldly dismissed her, thanking her for her help in the charade but making it clear they would never meet again.
