Love At Night Episode 23 Recap
> Love At Night Recap
Colleagues at Lemi Company buzz with excitement and envy as Mo Lingze's name appears on the judge list for the upcoming competition, believing Xu Qingyou's long-awaited promotion is imminent due to Mo Lingze's clear favoritism. However, some murmur that her potential success is not through merit but personal connections.
Xu Qingyou, unfazed, retorts to Director Long that even leveraging connections is a form of ability, advising him to pursue his own network, reminding him that "When eight immortals crossed the sea, each showed their own magic." Later, Xu Wei confronts Mo Lingze, challenging him to a video game battle, aiming to gain leverage to protect his sister, Xu Qingyou, after hearing from Fang Qi about troubles caused by Mo Lingze's ex. Mo Lingze effortlessly defeats him.
Xu Wei, claiming it was merely a warm-up, then challenges him to a boxing match. When he still loses, Xu Wei resorts to physically wrestling Mo Lingze to the ground, holding him there until Mo Lingze concedes. Only then does Xu Wei reveal his true motive: to safeguard Xu Qingyou, who, despite her tough exterior, suffers in silence. He warns Mo Lingze that if his ex continues to cause trouble, he and Fang Qi will "mixed doubles" Mo Lingze.
Mo Lingze assures him such intervention won't be necessary, expressing admiration for Xu Qingyou having both a devoted "best friend" and a protective "best brother." To gain an edge in gaming, Xu Wei begrudgingly calls Mo Lingze "brother-in-law" for tips. Upon returning home, Xu Wei excitedly boasts to Fang Qi that Mo Lingze's "secret trick" proved effective as he handily defeats her in a game, validating his new familial title.
Learning that Mo Lingze was injured by Xu Wei, Xu Qingyou reluctantly goes to care for him, preparing a meal at his apartment. She humorously tells Mo Lingze that Xu Wei's allowance is revoked for the next two months. As they are together, Xu Qingyou's mother suddenly video calls, immediately noticing Xu Qingyou's flushed face and the unfamiliar room decor.
Xu Qingyou hastily fabricates an excuse about rearranging her room and needing to prepare for a meeting, quickly ending the call. She scolds Mo Lingze for distracting her during the call, but he playfully regrets not greeting her mother, hoping for another chance soon. Mo Lingze pulls her closer, expressing his desire to publicly acknowledge their relationship, but Xu Qingyou resists.
She explains that revealing their relationship now, with Mo Lingze as an external judge for her upcoming competition, would invite gossip and undermine her efforts to win the position on her own merit. Mo Lingze playfully feigns dejection, asserting that he's less important than the competition, but Xu Qingyou silences his complaints with a kiss, dispelling his grievances.
Xu Wei eagerly asks Fang Qi to join his camping trip with classmates, promising her Mo Lingze's gaming "trick" in exchange for her presence, as he'd boasted about having a girlfriend this year. Fang Qi initially declines due to urgent work but agrees to attend. At the campsite, Xu Wei's female classmates flirt with him, implying his absent girlfriend is not a good match.
Just then, Fang Qi arrives dramatically on her motorcycle, introducing herself as Xu Wei's girlfriend and admitting she had a "full face makeover" for the occasion to avoid embarrassing him. The classmates, noting their age difference, question their common interests. Fang Qi, trying to fit in, awkwardly tries to participate in a football discussion by secretly looking up information online. Xu Wei pulls her aside, expressing his discomfort with her pretense.
He tells her he prefers her authentic self, even her more assertive and authentic side, as that is when her eyes "have light." He doesn't want her to change her appearance, do housework she dislikes, or force herself to fit in with others' interests for his sake. Fang Qi is deeply moved by his words, and they share a tender moment, holding hands and kissing.
During the competition, Mo Lingze extensively challenges Xu Qingyou, particularly about a past project where she used amateur models. This project, despite its noble concept of "accepting the imperfect self," ended in controversy when one model's private life was exposed, causing company losses. Mo Lingze questions her suitability as an employee if her values come at the expense of company profits.
Xu Qingyou defends her decision, reaffirming her belief in the project's concept and acknowledging her failings in protecting both the amateur and the company. She asserts that if given another chance, she would still pursue the idea but with better safeguards. Despite her impassioned defense, she is not selected for the position. Afterward, Xu Qingyou is furious and ignores Mo Lingze's calls.
She asks Fang Qi to treat her to dinner, and Fang Qi tries to comfort her, describing Mo Lingze as a "hard rock" not worth getting upset over. As she speaks, Mo Lingze appears behind Xu Qingyou, having been informed by Fang Qi. Xu Qingyou, realizing Fang Qi's "betrayal," pointedly ignores him.
Mo Lingze explains that her failure to be selected wasn't due to a lack of ability but rather a matter of "position," much like combining the right ingredients for maximum flavor. He warns her that her stubbornness might make it difficult to apologize later. Xu Qingyou, still indignant, insists she will never apologize to him.
Meanwhile, a headhunter informs Xu Qingyou that despite not getting the top position, the judging panel highly praised her work with live streamers Luluo and A Qiao. The company has now established a new business development department, which Mo Lingze suggested would be a perfect fit for her. Separately, Mr. Luo meets with Mo Lingze, commending his prudence in avoiding the Taikang fraud case, which saved Shangger from losses.
Mr. Luo then explains his true purpose: they've found a breakthrough in the Hua Group merger case. The key is to persuade Mrs. Hua's son, Chen Ziming, founder of Bell maternal and child supplies Co. Ltd., given the strained relationship between Mrs. Hua, a major shareholder, and her son.
This crucial intelligence was provided by Tang Xi, who then calls to confirm she wants Mo Lingze to join her in negotiating with Bell maternal and child supplies Co. Ltd. Xu Wei excitedly asks Fang Qi to spend more time with him, but she has a client meeting. Fang Qi proudly introduces Xu Wei as her boyfriend to a curious acquaintance.
Later, Xu Wei expresses frustration that Fang Qi's work seems to consume all her time, suggesting she find a less demanding job. Fang Qi defends her dedication, explaining that in their competitive industry, work provides the essential "confidence" she needs for life, akin to being a "warrior in an office building."
She reassures Xu Wei that he is very important to her and proposes a compromise: he can join her at her studio, and she will squeeze in time for dinner together. Xu Wei happily agrees. Having cooled down, Xu Qingyou rethinks her reaction and decides to apologize to Mo Lingze. She prepares a casual meal from supermarket-bought items.
When Mo Lingze arrives, she puts on a slightly haughty demeanor but then firmly tells him she is apologizing and he must accept it. Mo Lingze, initially teasing her about her "cooking" and "acting skills," quickly accepts her apology. Xu Qingyou explains that her anger wasn't at him, but rather at the embarrassment of failing in front of him. She promises to communicate openly and avoid sulking in the future. Mo Lingze agrees, complimenting her seriousness. They share a toast.
Just as they finish their meal, Tang Xi calls Mo Lingze. He initially hesitates to answer, jokingly suggesting that if the call brought bad news, Xu Qingyou would have to comfort him. But then, he challenges Xu Qingyou, reminding her of her promise to communicate openly, and bravely tells her to answer on speakerphone, stating he has nothing to hide. Xu Qingyou takes the call and puts it on speaker. Tang Xi's voice announces that his business trip will be overnight and reminds him to bring a change of clothes.
