Hello, My Shining Lover Episode 30 Recap
> Hello, My Shining Lover Recap
Ji Mo was furious to discover Su Xiao's employment announcement had already been disseminated online, especially after he had expressed his refusal to hire her. He confronted Samantha, accusing her of being behind the announcement and asking why she hadn't left. Samantha firmly denied any involvement, asserting that she would never resort to such underhanded tactics. Ji Mo, skilled at reading micro-expressions, discerned that she was telling the truth.
Following this, Ai Li and Chen Fei'er met at the gym as planned. Before Chen Fei'er arrived, Ai Li struggled with the simplest barbells. When Chen Fei'er asked him to help her stretch her legs, Ai Li, overcome by emotion, unexpectedly kissed her. Chen Fei'er reacted by hitting him and running off, asserting that a kiss didn't constitute a relationship and accusing him of playing tricks. Ai Li apologized repeatedly, claiming he couldn't control himself because she was "too sexy."
He then playfully demanded she take responsibility for kissing him (which she corrected to "biting"). Despite the initial shock, their interaction hinted at a deeper connection, pushing their relationship forward. Chen Fei'er warned him not to play such tricks again, but Ai Li seemed unfazed, finding her "biting habit" cute. Meanwhile, at Wing Fashion, Ji Mo’s assistant informed him that the entire design department was resigning, based on a notification from Director Hu.
Ji Mo was shocked, reminding his assistant of the employees' contractual obligations. However, the assistant revealed that Ruiqi Group’s legal team had taken full responsibility for the mass resignation, and the penalty fees for each employee would be transferred to Wing Fashion’s account that very day, a retaliation by Zhao Yucheng because Ji Mo was hesitant to hire Su Xiao.
Shareholders quickly gathered, expressing deep concern that the loss of the entire design team, especially during the new product season, would severely damage the company and leave them vulnerable to competitors. They strongly urged Ji Mo to immediately hire Samantha and her team to fill the void. Ji Mo, however, vehemently refused, stating he had personal reasons he couldn't disclose.
The shareholders pressed him, reminding him that Samantha was their best and possibly only option, especially since some had seen her privately meeting with Zhao Yucheng, sparking fears that Ruiqi might poach her too. They insisted that the contract with Samantha must be signed today. Faced with immense pressure and a reminder of his earlier promise to resign if company performance didn't improve, Ji Mo reluctantly requested more time, pledging to give them an answer by the following morning.
Earlier, Ji Mo confided in Ai Li about Su Xiao’s return and the difficult situation, stating he didn't know what to do. Ai Li suggested he tell Dugu Ruonan the truth, but Ji Mo worried about Dugu Ruonan’s sensitivity due to past emotional betrayal. He explained that women often prioritize feelings and a sense of security beyond just love, which he feared would be challenged by Su Xiao’s presence.
Ai Li eventually conceded, acknowledging the complexity of women's emotions, and urged Ji Mo to resolve the issue with Su Xiao. Ji Mo planned to boost sales and convince shareholders against hiring Su Xiao, then left to work overtime, trying to avoid Dugu Ruonan. Dugu Ruonan, noticing Ji Mo's sudden busyness and late nights, grew suspicious. She called Chen Fei'er, expressing her concern about Ji Mo's abnormal behavior, his constant apologies, and his increased workload.
Chen Fei'er, after some thought, agreed that Ji Mo's actions were suspicious and likely stemmed from guilt. She advised Dugu Ruonan not to confront him directly, as he wouldn't tell her the truth anyway, and instead suggested observing him for a few more days, emphasizing that relationships require both fate and wisdom. During this time, Samantha reached out to Dugu Ruonan to finalize details for her car repair, a pretext for their previous "accidental" encounter.
They met, and Samantha expressed a strange sense of familiarity with Dugu Ruonan. They discovered they even owned identical handbags. Dugu Ruonan, unaware of Samantha's true identity, shared details about her loving boyfriend, describing him as caring, supportive in work, and incredibly insightful. Samantha then revealed her true intention: to win back her ex-boyfriend, who already had a new girlfriend. She asked Dugu Ruonan if she thought this made her a "bad woman."
Dugu Ruonan, uncomfortable with the situation, merely wished her luck in pursuing her happiness without regrets. Moments later, Ji Mo called Samantha, who excitedly told Dugu Ruonan that her ex-boyfriend had just agreed to meet her. Dugu Ruonan, finding Samantha’s behavior strange, encouraged her to go. Ji Mo then met with Samantha, who, in response to his questions about her brother's intentions, clarified that Zhao Yucheng was merely helping her achieve her dreams.
She observed Ji Mo's significant changes over the past three years, stating her current focus was solely on her professional aspirations, not emotional ones. She then accused him of being the one stuck in the past, burdened by guilt. Ji Mo admitted his past "debt" to her and his desire to make amends, but firmly declared his love for Dugu Ruonan, who was his "bottom line," and that he would not allow Samantha’s presence to affect their relationship.
Samantha, acknowledging his love for Dugu Ruonan, called him "more ruthless" but then stated her terms: she would join Wing Fashion with her team if Ji Mo acquired her brand and granted her 10% of the company's equity. Ji Mo agreed without hesitation, seeing it as a fair "exchange of benefits" and a way to compensate her for the past, reminding her that Wing Fashion originated because of her.
However, he set a strict condition: their relationship would be strictly professional, with no personal interaction outside of work. Samantha accepted. After their meeting, Ji Mo privately acknowledged that this was the last time he would call her Su Xiao, thanking her for his personal growth and signifying the definitive end of their past together.
Meanwhile, Su Xiao was heartbroken, having vivid flashbacks of her past with Ji Mo, where she fantasized about their future home and even proposed to him, only for him to delay. Zhao Yucheng found her crying and drinking, despite her doctor's warnings. She tearfully confided that Ji Mo had accepted all her professional demands, including the shares, but this very acceptance proved he had truly moved on. " He's let go," she cried, "but I haven't."
Zhao Yucheng silently comforted his distraught sister. Chen Fei'er took Ai Li to a secluded movie theater to watch a horror film, calling it an "experiment" to discern if her feelings for him were real or just an illusion. Ai Li was eager to be "tested" if it meant spending time with her. As they watched the terrifying movie, they huddled closer together.
After the movie, with Chen Fei'er resting on his shoulder, Ai Li playfully asked if her feelings were still an illusion. She admitted she was "not quite sure yet," prompting Ai Li to suggest continuing their "date" with drinks, perhaps at his place. However, Ai Li received an urgent call from the hospital regarding a patient emergency and had to leave.
Chen Fei'er playfully warned him that such opportunities wouldn't last, but Ai Li, ever confident, promised to call her for their next "date." On the set, Si Da's filming wrapped, and the director praised his significant improvement and Dugu Ruonan's excellent management. Shen Qiansha also expressed her dedication to Si Da's success. Away from the celebrations, Tong Tong approached Song Zihao, urging him to meet President Qian, the investor for his next project.
She pitched the new project as a highly profitable venture with a short shooting schedule, high pay, and wide exposure, assuring him it would double his market value. However, Song Zihao dismissed it as a "cash grab" and a "terrible show" with shallow characters, refusing to participate, stating it would not help his career. Tong Tong countered by emphasizing the importance of continuous exposure in the competitive industry, arguing that commercial value outweighed artistic merit.
Song Zihao, however, accused Tong Tong of only caring about money, exploiting and using him despite her claims of acting in his best interest. He contrasted her with Dugu Ruonan, whose judgment he trusted implicitly, knowing she prioritized his reputation and long-term career, even if she spoke of profits.
Tong Tong angrily warned him that the contract was already signed, giving him the choice between fulfilling his role or facing a massive penalty for breach of contract, and told him not to cause trouble. Dugu Ruonan overheard their argument and intervened, criticizing Tong Tong for her short-sightedness in choosing such a low-quality, "fan-deceiving" show for Song Zihao. She explained that an artist's career is finite, and misdirected effort would prevent them from reaching their peak.
Tong Tong defiantly stated she only cared about climbing high, not how far she went, and challenged Dugu Ruonan's right to lecture her, vowing to make her admit defeat. In the makeup room, Shen Qiansha discussed the script for Si Da's just-finished drama, highlighting the male second lead's excellent, well-rounded character, which would be a strong start to his career.
Si Da wanted to keep the script, crediting Dugu Ruonan with teaching him what it means to be an actor and how to truly express emotions. Shen Qiansha expressed her admiration for Dugu Ruonan's "magic" in unlocking potential and providing a sense of security, wishing she could be like her. Si Da reassured Shen Qiansha that she had already transformed and would undoubtedly become an excellent agent.
Overjoyed by his words, Shen Qiansha went to pack, leaving the script with Si Da. She then found a somber Song Zihao, asking if he was alright. He sarcastically questioned her concern, assuming she was only worried about being implicated. As she and Si Da were leaving the next day, Shen Qiansha advised Song Zihao to act professionally and stop being rude. Song Zihao, still lost in thought, dismissed her advice as nagging and unappreciated.
