Hello Mr. Gu Episode 8 Recap
> Hello Mr. Gu Recap
Beginning her job as Gu Nanzhou's temporary assistant, Zhou Jianqing’s performance was disastrous. Gu Nanzhou berated her for a series of mistakes, including making his coffee incorrectly, failing to follow formatting instructions, miscategorizing documents, and improperly buttoning his shirt and tying his tie. When preparing for a meeting with Mr. Wu from T2 Entertainment, Jiang Jingxuan stepped in, offering to attend herself due to her personal connection with Mr. Wu, which Gu Nanzhou accepted.
After the client left, Gu Nanzhou continued to criticize Zhou Jianqing for her other shortcomings, such as failing to wake him up, prepare breakfast, or depart early to avoid traffic, though she retorted that she had never made him late. During their argument, her brother Zhou Zixuan arrived with food, commenting on Gu Nanzhou's harsh treatment of his "girlfriend." Zhou Jianqing quickly pushed him out, explaining they were discussing work.
Annoyed, Gu Nanzhou warned Zhou Zixuan not to visit again, threatening to double the rent and leaving Zhou Jianqing distraught. Gu Nanzhou’s project, "Lake Xingling", faced investor skepticism. One investor expressed concerns about the high cost, comparing it to Tuxing's infamous failed animation project. Although Gu Nanzhou emphasized his focus on the script and design, the investor remained noncommittal. Later, Jiang Jingxuan brought Gu Nanzhou his favorite healthy foods, subtly contrasting them with the fast food Zhou Jianqing provided.
She then informed him that his animation "Ant Paradise" was nominated for an award at the Golden Apple Animation Festival and that he could have a female companion accept the award on his behalf. Gu Nanzhou assigned her to handle the arrangements. Shortly after, Gu Nanzhou was caught in a crowd of tourists, triggering a severe panic attack. He tried to call Zhou Jianqing for help, but she was in the library with a friend and missed his call.
Jiang Jingxuan brought a visibly unwell Gu Nanzhou home after his panic attack. She insisted on staying to care for him, taking his phone and forwarding his calls to her own. She then sent a text to Zhou Jianqing, telling her to return home early. Meanwhile, Zhou Jianqing was at the library with Zhang Yin, complaining that Gu Nanzhou’s demands left her no time to draw.
When she returned home late, Gu Nanzhou coldly expressed his displeasure, praising Jiang Jingxuan for her reliability and telling Zhou Jianqing to contact her for details about the award ceremony. While on the phone with Zhou Jianqing, Jiang Jingxuan, who was trying on a lavish gown, deceptively advised her to dress casually, suggesting a "One Piece" themed T-shirt would be appropriate. She also told Zhou Jianqing to come to the venue alone the next day.
At the Golden Apple Animation Festival, Zhou Jianqing arrived in a T-shirt as advised, only to find everyone in formal attire. Jiang Jingxuan, wearing an elegant gown, openly criticized Zhou Jianqing for being "too casual" and "plain." Humiliated and realizing she had been set up, Zhou Jianqing was about to be replaced on stage by Jiang Jingxuan at Gu Nanzhou's suggestion. She stormed off, finally understanding the extent of Jiang Jingxuan’s deception and her feelings for Gu Nanzhou.
When "Ant Paradise" won, the announcer called for "Mr. Gu Nanzhou's fiancée" to accept the award. Just as Jiang Jingxuan prepared to go on stage, Zhou Jianqing made a stunning return in a formal gown. She confidently delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech, starting with a joke about animators "going bald from staying up late" before passionately speaking on Gu Nanzhou's dedication to original works like "Lake Xingling".
Her words earned a standing ovation, leaving Jiang Jingxuan furious and Gu Nanzhou visibly impressed. After her speech, Zhou Jianqing fielded questions from reporters about "Lake Xingling" before escaping to the restroom. There, Jiang Jingxuan confronted her, feigning concern as she tore the price tag from Zhou Jianqing’s gown and accused her of planning to return it. After a tense exchange, Zhou Jianqing was left regretting her impulsiveness, as she could no longer return the expensive dress.
Later, Gu Nanzhou informed her that Mr. He, the president of Yingqi, was impressed by her speech and now interested in "Lake Xingling". Thrilled, Zhou Jianqing jokingly asked for a commission. Gu Nanzhou then praised her stage presence and casually asked about the dress tag, directly questioning if she had planned to return it. Though she denied it, he understood her dilemma and offered to have the company reimburse the cost as part of their "fiancée" agreement, to her delight.
Gu Nanzhou concluded a promising discussion with Mr. He, who expressed a strong interest in meeting to discuss "Lake Xingling". Afterwards, Gu Nanzhou noticed Zhou Jianqing had been absent all morning. An employee mentioned she seemed distracted and had been hiding in the restroom, leading Gu Nanzhou to narcissistically wonder if she was sad about her temporary job ending. Jiang Jingxuan then arrived and suggested that given her new-found capabilities, perhaps Zhou Jianqing should be offered a permanent position.
She then revealed she knew about their fake engagement and questioned why he chose Zhou Jianqing for the role. Gu Nanzhou curtly dismissed the topic as a private matter. At the same time, Zhou Jianqing was on a cheerful call with Jiang Xiaochuan, who was being discharged from the hospital in two days and would soon take over her duties.
Gu Nanzhou overheard her excitement about leaving and, after confirming the details, coldly instructed her to prepare a thorough handover, clearly upset by the news. Later, after her editor criticized her comic’s male lead for lacking distinct characteristics, Zhou Jianqing found her inspiration: she would base the character on Gu Nanzhou.
