Girlfriend Episode 33 Recap
> Girlfriend Recap
Heartbroken and alone, Wen Xiaonuan wandered, the Ferris wheel serving as a painful reminder of Ye Feimo's cutting words. She was still reeling from his cruel declaration that he had never loved her, that she was merely a substitute, a lie told by a wealthy boy, and unworthy of his affection because of her humble origins from a small fishing village.
The office was abuzz with gossip, noting the uncanny resemblance between Wen Xiaonuan and Han Hui, with news spreading from the "Twin Flowers" set that Ye Feimo had always loved Han Hui, making Wen Xiaonuan merely a stand-in. Devastated by the realization that the man she loved wholeheartedly had seen her as nothing but a replacement from the start, Wen Xiaonuan decided to leave Anning Cultural, a place filled with painful memories of Ye Feimo.
When Zhou Xiaojing tried to stop her, Wen Xiaonuan simply apologized, stating she could no longer fulfill her contract, unable to articulate the depth of her sorrow. Meanwhile, Han Hui, despite the online reviews overwhelmingly favoring her, began to reflect on her own character, asking her agent, Linda, what kind of person she was perceived to be. While Linda assured her of her success, Han Hui confessed that in gaining her ambitions, she had lost something far more precious.
She admitted that when she was with Ye Feimo, she hadn't cherished him, prioritizing her dreams and career. Han Hui acknowledged that Wen Xiaonuan had melted the emotional ice she herself had created around Ye Feimo's heart. Despite Linda's dismissive remarks that Wen Xiaonuan was just a substitute who would eventually leave, Han Hui questioned if she truly loved Ye Feimo, realizing she had never felt the profound connection of true love—being each other's pillar, weakness, and armor.
She finally came to terms with the fact that Wen Xiaonuan hadn't stolen Ye Feimo; she had lost him long ago and now felt compelled to apologize to him. Ye Feimo appeared detached and unresponsive, ignoring calls until his jewelry designer notified him that the custom-made engagement ring was ready for pickup. Overwhelmed by despair, he flatly told the designer to dispose of the ring, as he no longer needed it.
Concurrently, Wen Xiaonuan returned to her small fishing village, where the local community, especially the elders from the opera troupe, welcomed her with immense pride for her success in a major film. They affectionately inquired about her romantic life. Her younger brother, Xiaokai, nearly blurted out details about Ye Feimo, but Wen Xiaonuan quickly stopped him, deflecting the questions by stating her focus was on her burgeoning career and the well-being of her troupe.
While Wen Xiaonuan sought solace in a solitary walk by the sea, and Ye Feimo gazed longingly at photos of her on his phone, both reached for their phones to call the other but ultimately hesitated, their yearning palpable. Across town, Jiang Fang, recovering from his concussion, received a visit from Jiang Ling'er. She tearfully apologized, feeling she had messed everything up. Jiang Fang reassured her, acknowledging that relationships involve two people and that he, too, had been insufficiently attentive.
Ling'er admitted she had forced him to stay and now felt lost about her own desires. Jiang Fang echoed her sentiment, confessing that they both had been blinded by their wants. He told her his intention was to find his "lost" self after his discharge. Ling'er then returned the ring she had asked him for, stating she also needed to find her old self. Jiang Fang promised his unwavering support should she ever need it in the future.
As they concluded their conversation, Jiang Ling'er informed Jiang Fang that Wen Xiaonuan and Ye Feimo had broken up, encouraging him to pursue Xiaonuan if he still harbored feelings for her. Soon after, Jiang Fang, now discharged, found Ye Feimo at the hospital. He confronted Ye Feimo, demanding to know why he had hurt Wen Xiaonuan. Jiang Fang revealed that his time in the hospital had granted him the clarity to let go of his prejudice against Ye Feimo.
He admitted to his own past mistakes, including using Jiang Ling'er and Yaohua in pursuit of what he now recognized as meaningless titles and wealth, which had ultimately led him to hurt Wen Xiaonuan. Despite his lingering dislike, Jiang Fang conceded that Ye Feimo deserved Wen Xiaonuan more, recognizing Ye Feimo's capacity for endless support and tolerance, and urged Ye Feimo not to abandon her.
Ye Feimo thanked Jiang Fang but then disclosed the painful truth: he had already broken up with Wen Xiaonuan because he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer and did not know how much longer he would live. Tearfully, he explained that he could not bear to leave her alone to endure immense pain after his death and preferred that she resent him, hoping it would allow her to move on and find happiness more easily.
Jiang Fang immediately condemned his reasoning as selfish, accusing him of imposing his own values on Wen Xiaonuan's feelings. He argued that for two people truly in love, being abandoned by a loved one is far more agonizing than separation by death. Jiang Fang implored Ye Feimo to reconsider, emphasizing that Wen Xiaonuan's greatest desire was simply to share life's joys and sorrows with him.
Later, Jiang Fang went to bid farewell to Han Hui, informing her that he was leaving Yaohua. Han Hui remarked that she had always considered them allies. Jiang Fang agreed that they were indeed similar, having both sacrificed love for their careers, but expressed his deep regret, having finally realized that once such a choice is made, many things become irreversible. He then wished her well and departed.
