Go Ahead Episode 41 Recap
> Go Ahead Recap
Qin Meiyang, Ling Xiao's cousin, is facing a long and idle summer vacation in China, unfamiliar with the surroundings and lacking friends. To help her experience earning money, He Ziqiu implements "three rules we must observe" and arranges for her to work part-time at his dessert shop, where she dons a uniform and carefully serves customers. Ling Xiao reinforces this arrangement, humorously warning Qin Meiyang that if she doesn't work, she'll accompany Chen Ting to buy furniture.
Anxious about Chen Ting's potential permanent return to China, Qin Meiyang asks Ling Xiao for a solution, but he expresses helplessness, stating that Chen Ting has never considered his feelings, otherwise he wouldn't just be returning from Singapore now. He Ziqiu doesn't fully understand Ling Xiao's comment, and Qin Meiyang offers no further explanation. Li Jianjian suggests enrolling Qin Meiyang in an art training class but believes she wouldn't be interested.
Chen Ting, having returned to China, visits Ling Xiao's dental hospital while he is at work, recalling Ling Heping's mentions of Ling Xiao's medication and insomnia. She chats with Feng Xixi, adding her on WeChat and indirectly probing about Feng Xixi's boyfriend. After work, Chen Ting and Ling Xiao meet at a shop. Ling Xiao is notably impatient and reluctant to engage in conversation. Chen Ting expresses her sadness at his demeanor and encourages him to confide in her.
Ling Xiao abruptly declares his intention to marry Li Jianjian. Chen Ting, though surprised, verbally supports his decision, yet suggests their progress is too rapid and advises against marrying too soon, hinting at her underlying disapproval of Li Jianjian. Later, Li Jianjian encounters Chen Ting and Ling Xiao's aunt at Ling Xiao's doorstep.
Chen Ting, unable to get the door code from Ling Xiao over the phone, hangs up upon seeing Li Jianjian and asks her for help opening the door. Worried about Li Jianjian being alone with Chen Ting, Ling Xiao leaves work and rushes home. While at home with Li Jianjian, Qin Meiyang directly questions the extent of Li Jianjian and Ling Xiao's relationship, specifically if they have "slept together."
Li Jianjian, initially taken aback, replies that she often sleeps with Ling Xiao, quickly clarifying that she has done so since childhood. Qin Meiyang then seriously warns Li Jianjian against having sexual relations with Ling Xiao, firmly stating that their marriage is impossible because Chen Ting would never agree. Qin Meiyang reveals that Chen Ting previously prevented Ling Xiao from returning after college because she despised Ling Heping, Li Haichao, and Li Jianjian, considering them her most hated individuals.
She asserts that Ling Xiao, both then and now, cannot overcome Chen Ting's opposition because she is his mother. Li Jianjian jokingly offers to leave Ling Xiao for five million if Chen Ting pays. Qi Mingyue's father informs her that he is divorcing Jin Yuxiang, explaining that a recent house purchase made him realize their incompatibility. He has since moved into a hotel. Qi Mingyue, who had dismissed their past arguments as empty threats, is shocked.
Concerned for her mother, she uses a borrowed phone to contact Jin Yuxiang (whose number she is blocked from). Jin Yuxiang reacts with fury to the divorce news and challenges Qi's father to bring the household registration book to the civil affairs bureau for an immediate divorce. Qi Mingyue, feeling down, attempts to confide in Tang Can, who is busy selecting an outfit to accompany Zhuang Bei's mother to Zhuang Bei's grandmother's birthday.
Tang Can offers a quick comfort before heading out. Zhuang Bei, waiting in his car downstairs, experiences a sudden romantic interest as Tang Can approaches. Zhuang Bei's mother expresses great joy upon seeing Tang Can and regrets that she is no longer an actress. Tang Can's smile briefly falters as Zhuang Bei's mother discusses her acting past. Tang Can then forces a smile, insisting she isn't cut out for acting, having tried numerous auditions without securing a lead role.
Zhuang Bei's mother disagrees, believing Tang Can possesses acting talent, despite not being a big star and having appeared in some films and television series. Mrs. Qian and Hongying are at Li Haichao's noodle shop. Hongying, who has been seeing Li Haichao for some time, is presumed by Mrs. Qian to be in a romantic relationship with him. Hongying denies this, acknowledging they are only friends and that Li Haichao does not love her.
He Mei then arrives at the noodle shop to learn He Ziqiu's favorite dishes from Li Haichao. Mrs. Qian recognizes He Mei. Li Haichao warmly escorts He Mei out of the shop, leaving Mrs. Qian and Hongying behind. Hongying, witnessing Li Haichao's familiarity with He Mei, feels neglected and suspects he has feelings for someone else. Li Haichao clarifies his meetings with He Mei are solely for He Ziqiu's sake.
Hongying disbelieves him and asserts her good character despite Li Haichao's average circumstances. He Mei intervenes, defending Li Haichao by stating he is indeed a good person, which makes it hard for him to reject Hongying directly without causing hurt. He Mei adds that Hongying is attracted to Li Haichao's goodness, and Li Haichao is attracted to her (He Mei's) beauty, implying that everyone has their motivations, and no one is superior. Hongying is left speechless.
He Mei then pulls Li Haichao away, asking about Hongying. Li Haichao, embarrassed, explains that Li Jianjian arranged for Mrs. Qian to set them up. He then mentions Li Jianjian's strong desire for He Mei and He Ziqiu to reconcile. He Mei is surprised, recalling Li Jianjian's childhood dislike for her. Li Haichao clarifies that Li Jianjian's aversion back then was not to He Mei herself, but to having a stepmother.
He Mei, seizing the opportunity, asks if being Li Jianjian's stepmother would be acceptable now. Li Haichao, momentarily processing the implication, replies "no problem," then realizes the significance of his words. He Mei shyly walks ahead a few steps, and Li Haichao, now overjoyed, catches up, cautioning her to be careful on the stone steps to avoid falling. He wants to help her but refrains, anxiously walking beside her until she safely descends.
Zhou Miao discretely shows Du Juan a school newspaper featuring an exclusive interview with Li Jianjian's senior, Yufei. In the interview, Yufei makes sarcastic accusations, claiming Li Jianjian's work, "Three Close Friends," imitates and plagiarizes his own work, "Us Three." Du Juan immediately shows the newspaper to Li Jianjian, who tries to call Yufei for clarification, but he doesn't answer. Distraught, Li Jianjian loses focus on work and leaves the studio early.
