Girlfriend Episode 35 Recap
> Girlfriend Recap
Following his recovery, Ye Feimo accompanied Xiaonuan on an island, where they playfully bickered. Their peaceful time was interrupted by a call from Zhou Xiaojing with good news: Xiaonuan had been nominated for the Jinzhang Award for Best Leading Actress for her role in "Twin Flowers". Though Feimo had anticipated it, Xiaonuan was overjoyed. Meanwhile, Ms. Cheng confronted Han Hui about the news circulating that Xiaonuan was merely Han Hui's "substitute," clarifying it wasn't speculation but fact.
Han Hui, resentful, blamed Ms. Cheng for her past separation from Ye Feimo. Ms. Cheng firmly rebutted this, stating Han Hui had chosen to leave Feimo for a career abroad with an American Hollywood director. When Han Hui accused Ms. Cheng of orchestrating the meeting, Ms. Cheng admitted she had sent the director to test Han Hui's character. She explained that she had seen the materialistic side of the industry and wanted to see where Han Hui's priorities lay.
As expected, Han Hui took the bait, proving her ambition far outweighed her love for Feimo. Ms. Cheng then delivered a crushing blow, revealing that Han Hui's biggest lie was pretending to have saved Ye Feimo's life—the very reason he had fallen for her. This made Han Hui the true imposter. Ms. Cheng concluded that her son loved Wen Xiaonuan, and Han Hui no longer stood a chance.
At the Jinzhang Award ceremony, Wen Xiaonuan made a dazzling entrance in a red gown, exuding newfound confidence as she graced the red carpet, adored by her fans. When she and Han Hui crossed paths, Xiaonuan graciously stated that a nomination was already a significant recognition and thanked Han Hui for recommending her for the role.
Han Hui attempted one last provocation, claiming a woman whom neither of them could replace had always resided in Ye Feimo's heart, making them both substitutes. Xiaonuan calmly countered that if one doesn't see themselves as a substitute, no one else will—a principle that applies to both acting and life.
As the ceremony was about to begin, Zhou Xiaojing gave a slightly nervous Xiaonuan a pep talk, reminding her of how she had transformed from a humble actress into the confident woman she was today. Xiaonuan agreed that winning was not the most important thing. Nearby, event staff discussed the tight race, with some favoring Wen Xiaonuan's spirited performance over the international superstar Han Hui, even speculating about a tie.
Han Hui overheard this, and her composure shattered as she recalled her futile efforts to compete with Xiaonuan and Ms. Cheng's devastating words. Overwhelmed, Han Hui decided to return to the United States. She confessed to her assistant, Linda, that she was tired and, for the first time, not entirely confident she would win. She admitted that a loss to Xiaonuan, or even a tie, would feel like a crushing defeat.
Leaving before the announcement was her only way to preserve her last bit of self-esteem. As Han Hui departed discreetly, Xiaonuan confidently entered the venue and, as expected, was announced as the winner of the Jinzhang Award for Best Leading Actress. In her acceptance speech, Xiaonuan thanked everyone who had supported her. Most importantly, she thanked Ye Feimo, declaring that he had made her a better version of herself and promising to be with him forever.
At the celebratory after-party, Ye Feimo pushed out a cake for the new Best Actress. Amidst congratulations, Xiaonuan thanked Director Li Can for his trust, Zhou Xiaojing for her guidance, and her friend Jiayi for her constant companionship. Ye Feimo then publicly declared his commitment, promising to share every important moment with Xiaonuan, through good times and bad. Xiaonuan's career soared, and she received numerous offers, including a prestigious invitation from Jacques, a renowned French director.
The role, however, required her to spend a year abroad, presenting a dilemma similar to the one Han Hui had faced. Hesitant to leave Ye Feimo, Xiaonuan set the offer aside. When Feimo discovered the contract, he encouraged her to seize the opportunity. He explained that his love was not about possession but about wanting her to achieve her full potential on a larger stage.
He promised to be the "knight who escorts you to the throne," not a "stumbling block," reassuring her that a year would pass quickly. Moved by his unwavering support, Xiaonuan accepted the offer, leaving them two days to spend exclusively together before her departure.
