Hello, My Shining Lover Episode 17 Recap
> Hello, My Shining Lover Recaps
Ji Mo met with Director Hu to discuss Wing Fashion's sponsorship of the Huanya International Film Festival. Ji Mo observed Director Hu clasping his hands, which suggested to him that Hu was wavering on their cooperation. Ji Mo inferred that the film industry's current slump meant Huanya needed funds and was likely seeking greater benefits, leading him to believe there was a competitor involved. He instructed Alan to investigate other companies vying for the sponsorship.
As the film festival approached, Zhao Yucheng arrived at the film set and openly invited Du Guruonan to be his companion for the charity gala. Du Guruonan, explaining that Sida's new album was keeping her incredibly busy, politely declined. Sida also intervened, stating he would take care of his "sister." Just then, Chen Fei'er arrived on set.
Instantly drawn to the handsome and wealthy Zhao Yucheng, the CEO of Ruiqi Group, Chen Fei'er enthusiastically accepted the invitation on Du Guruonan's behalf after Du Guruonan declined again. Back in the changing room, Chen Fei'er pressed Du Guruonan, asserting that Zhao Yucheng was clearly interested in her. She described him as a "top-tier eligible bachelor" whose attention was specifically on Du Guruonan, urging her to seize the opportunity and highlighting Ruiqi Group as a premium brand.
Chen Fei'er praised Zhao Yucheng's maturity, discretion, and lack of scandals, even stating he was "better than Ji Mo." Du Guruonan initially dismissed the idea, expressing her desire to focus on work and criticizing Chen Fei'er for gossiping. However, noticing Sida eavesdropping nearby, Du Guruonan's demeanor abruptly shifted. She began to lavish praise on Zhao Yucheng, commending his maturity and stability, contrasting him with "younger guys who act without propriety and lack discretion, and even cause trouble for me."
She then decisively declared her intention to attend the film festival. Meanwhile, Du Guruonan held a meeting to prepare for Sida's album promotion. During the discussion about securing various platforms and shows for exposure, she realized Sida lacked formal attire for official events. Taking the matter into her own hands, she went to Wing Fashion to ask Ji Mo for assistance.
She explained Sida’s album launch was imminent and he needed formal wear, appealing to Ji Mo as Sida's "older brother." Ji Mo agreed to provide the attire. Du Guruonan then mentioned she herself would be attending the Huanya Film Festival. Ji Mo asked if she had a gown, to which she replied she would simply buy one.
Ji Mo, however, insisted on custom-making an evening gown for her, emphasizing that a dress should highlight a woman's beautiful curves and graceful lines. Later, Ji Mo received a call from Alan confirming that Huanya's organizers had chosen Ruiqi Group as this year's sponsor and sent Ji Mo an invitation.
Ji Mo recognized a pattern, connecting Ruiqi's sponsorship to their recent hiring of Wei Censhu and their sudden interest in the fashion industry, which was outside their usual scope of film investments and real estate. He concluded that Ruiqi Group was deliberately targeting Wing Fashion and instructed Alan to thoroughly investigate Ruiqi's background. Determined to confront them directly, Ji Mo decided to attend the film festival himself.
On the opening night of the film festival, Du Guruonan arrived as Zhao Yucheng's companion, radiant in the evening gown custom-made by Ji Mo. She told reporters that a good friend had custom-made the dress for her. During a red carpet interview, Zhao Yucheng publicly expressed his deep admiration for Du Guruonan's abilities and his hope for "further contact and understanding," both professionally and personally.
Du Guruonan later confronted him about these potentially misleading public statements, but Zhao Yucheng cynically explained it as generating "buzz" for Sida and Ruiqi, calling it a "win-win." He maintained that his personal interest in getting to know her better was genuine. Elsewhere, Song Zihao berated Tong Tong for his lack of skill, implying he couldn't compete with Du Guruonan. Tong Tong retorted directly, asking, "Aren't you also abandoned by Dugu Ruonan?" which deeply angered Song Zihao.
Meanwhile, Ji Mo called Du Guruonan, telling her she looked beautiful and proposing they meet after the event. He then arrived at the festival, where he exchanged a brief, knowing glance with Du Guruonan. He was then stunned to see Zhao Yucheng, who walked over and provocatively greeted Ji Mo, deliberately mentioning "Su Xiao." Visibly disturbed, Ji Mo turned and abruptly left the venue. During the charity auction, Zhao Yucheng told Du Guruonan not to be distracted.
The highlight of the evening was the auction of a necklace named "Mount Everest," starting at six million. Zhao Yucheng confidently stated his intention to win it, not only for charity but also to "showcase Ruiqi Group's strength" and ensure they would trend online, calling it the "best publicity." Du Guruonan subtly inquired about Ji Mo, learning he had already left. Zhao Yucheng successfully bid six million for the "Mount Everest" necklace.
Du Guruonan found Ji Mo outside, clearly upset and in a state of distress. She attempted to comfort him, pointing out that his rapid blinking revealed he was lying about being fine. She reminded him of their past friendship and how he had always helped her, offering her support in return. However, Ji Mo coldly dismissed her, insisting he didn't need her help and wanted to be alone.
Du Guruonan shared her feelings of waiting for him every night, but Ji Mo cut her off, stating, "You don't have to wait anymore. Let's just pretend that we two never happened. I'm sorry." Back on stage, Zhao Yucheng publicly announced his intention to present the "Mount Everest" necklace to Du Guruonan, making her the focus of all media attention. Visibly flustered, Du Guruonan hesitated.
Zhao Yucheng descended from the stage, walked to her, and quietly urged her to accept, whispering that if she didn't, "no one will be able to save face." Under public pressure, Du Guruonan reluctantly allowed him to place the necklace around her neck, forcing a smile as she linked arms with him. Later, in the car, Du Guruonan attempted to return the necklace, insisting on "equality" and expressing her dislike of owing anyone.
Zhao Yucheng argued that "being too hard on yourself, insisting on absolute equality, is actually the greatest inequality to yourself." Despite her continued refusal, he offered to keep the necklace for her if she accompanied him "somewhere." Du Guruonan initially declined, citing tiredness, but agreed after he again pressured her about losing face. They drove to a restaurant by the Bund.
Zhao Yucheng recounted that this spot held a painful memory for him: the night he learned a loved one was gravely ill, he drank there all night, eventually crying to remember the pain as a constant motivation. Du Guruonan shared her own coping mechanisms: eating excessively spicy hotpot to disguise her tears or crying while swimming so no one would notice her vulnerability.
Zhao Yucheng observed her unique blend of experienced wisdom and innate innocence, then offered her advice: "The person who makes you cry isn't worth your thoughts." Du Guruonan thanked him for his company and the drinks. Meanwhile, after dropping Chen Fei'er home, Ai Li was asked by her to help zip up her dress, which she couldn't reach. Ai Li, clearly flustered and nervous, struggled with the task.
While he was fumbling, Ji Mo called Ai Li, inviting him to drink at their usual spot. Chen Fei'er overheard the conversation, recognized Ji Mo's voice, and declared her intention to accompany Ai Li to "settle things" with Ji Mo for upsetting Du Guruonan. Ai Li protested, finding it inappropriate, but Chen Fei'er was adamant.
At the bar, Chen Fei'er angrily confronted Ji Mo, pouring out several glasses of vodka and demanding a "satisfactory explanation" for his actions, threatening him to drink all the alcohol on the table otherwise. Ai Li tried to intervene, offering to drink on Ji Mo's behalf.
