Love Me Like I Do Episode 9 Recap
> Love Me Like I Do Recap
As Liu Xilai had not returned, Liu Xizhao prepared to host Qiansheng Group’s designer toy new product launch, feeling quite anxious. Wen Xian offered words of encouragement, telling him to buck up as it was his moment to shine and he shouldn't mess it up. She teasingly remarked on his nervousness, which he brushed off by claiming he had given many speeches in school, making this occasion seem minor.
Liu Xizhao then took the stage, greeting the media and announcing the initial offline opening ceremony. Instigated by Wen Zhicai, a reporter immediately challenged him, asking why Mr. Liu was absent and if he was standing them up. Liu Xizhao calmly explained the event's agenda, which included an online initiation, the unveiling of the Cute Pets series, a design concept presentation, and finally, the CEO's address and Q&A, assuring them that Liu Xilai would answer questions later.
Wen Zhicai observed, realizing Liu Xizhao was deliberately extending the event to buy time for Liu Xilai. Meanwhile, Liu Xilai and Tian Tian were being driven back by Li Huai. Liu Xilai, anxious to reach the venue, complained about Li Huai's slow driving. Li Huai defended himself, mentioning the speed limit and a minor fender bender from the previous night while picking them up. Tian Tian, noting Li Huai's exhaustion, offered to drive.
Despite Li Huai's apprehension about her driving his car, Liu Xilai approved, confident in her abilities. True to her "violent woman" reputation, Tian Tian sped through traffic, causing Li Huai to clutch the car for dear life, while Liu Xilai remained surprisingly calm, although the ride was quite jarring for both men. After about an hour into the launch, the same reporter pressed Liu Xizhao again, questioning Qiansheng Group’s authorization for the new products. Other reporters joined in the uproar.
To further delay, Liu Xizhao announced a special gift for the media, inviting painter Wen Xian to the stage. Wen Xian presented a painting, her first attempt at depicting living things, as a lucky draw prize, which successfully captivated the audience and bought another half-hour. Just as the crowd grew restless again, Liu Xilai and Tian Tian arrived. Tian Tian displayed the authorization letter from Xia Feng.
Liu Xilai confidently took the stage, engaging in a war of words with Reporter Liu from Xinyang Daily, who had a history of making baseless plagiarism accusations. Liu Xilai deftly turned the tables, reminding the reporter of past legal troubles and suggesting he was merely seeking attention.
He then elaborated on Qiansheng Group's commitment to original design, mentioning the firing of a designer for plagiarism and the establishment of the Dafu Public Welfare Fund, in Xia Feng’s name, using part of the proceeds from the Cute Pets series to give back to society. His powerful statements quelled the media's doubts and shut down Wen Zhicai's orchestrated smear campaign. Following the successful event, Liu's father expressed satisfaction, particularly commending Liu Xilai.
Liu Xilai, in turn, acknowledged Wen Xian and Liu Xizhao’s contributions in managing the initial crisis. However, Liu's father only praised Wen Xian, downplaying Liu Xizhao's efforts as merely "making up for a mistake" and urging him to learn from Liu Xilai. Feeling unappreciated, Liu Xizhao excused himself, upset by his father's favoritism. Liu's father then broached the topic of Liu Xilai's marriage, trying to set him up with another woman.
Liu Xilai, eager to deflect, revealed he might have someone he liked, his thoughts immediately drifting to Tian Tian. Later, Wen Xian found Liu Xizhao, who was still feeling disheartened. She tried to cheer him up, reminding him of his many admirable qualities, jokingly placing him just "a tiny bit" below Liu Xilai, and in the top 10% of society, acknowledging her own high standards. Meanwhile, Tian Tian was with Dan Rousi.
Tian Tian praised Li Huai for being loyal and sensible, having helped them get back in time. Rousi, however, launched into a rant about an irresponsible driver who scratched her borrowed car in the rain and left only a business card, calling him immoral and disrespectful. Just then, Li Huai walked up. Tian Tian, realizing the awkward situation, identified Li Huai, confirming he was the same person Rousi was complaining about.
Li Huai tried to explain he was in a hurry and had left his card, but Rousi dismissed him, stating she wanted no further interaction with someone like him, and pulled Tian Tian away. Li Huai was left bewildered, wondering why she detested him so much. Back at the office, Liu Xilai, having realized he had feelings for Tian Tian, sought help from Assistant Tang, asking him to devise strategies to win her over.
Despite Assistant Tang's lack of romantic experience, Liu Xilai trusted his strategic mind, emphasizing that he needed advice from an "ordinary person's point of view" to appeal to Tian Tian’s preference for a low profile, while still reflecting his own nobility. Assistant Tang proposed the "Exclusive Love" method, suggesting unique gestures that would make Tian Tian feel special.
The next day, office workers found snacks on their desks, a general reward from Liu Xilai for their efforts on the Shan Hai Jing series. However, Tian Tian’s desk conspicuously featured a life-sized cardboard cutout and a calendar adorned with Liu Xilai's photos. This immediately sparked office gossip, with colleagues speculating about her relationship with Liu Xilai and accusing their previous business trip of being a "public-funded romance."
Tian Tian, embarrassed, called Liu Xilai, asking him to stop such "surprises" that caused misunderstandings and made her uncomfortable. Liu Xilai, misunderstanding, promised to fulfill her wish for "quietness," believing he was still being thoughtful. Later, Zheng Qian announced that the design department would collaborate with the marketing department to promote the Shan Hai Jing series, requiring everyone to participate in on-site demonstrations. Tian Tian was excited that her designs would finally be showcased.
Liu Xilai, contemplating how to make his feelings reciprocated, learned that Tian Tian was at the promotional event through a phone call. Inspired by Assistant Tang's second strategy, "Close Contact," which advocated physical proximity over words, Liu Xilai decided to go there. Upon arrival, he spotted a mascot and, unaware it was Tian Tian, jokingly remarked that the "sturdy-looking" and "not-so-smart" doll wasn't his "sweetheart." Tian Tian, still inside the oversized male costume, revealed herself, surprised to see him.
Liu Xilai, realizing his blunder, quickly complimented her "cuteness." He then invited her to lunch, aiming to create opportunities for physical contact. During their meal, Liu Xilai repeatedly tried to initiate casual touches—reaching for food or a drink—but Tian Tian unintentionally thwarted each attempt, either by offering the item first or by simply taking it herself.
When he was caught staring at her hand, he claimed he was learning palmistry, to which Tian Tian scoffed, urging him to believe in science instead of superstition. Frustrated by the lack of response, Liu Xilai confided in Assistant Tang, wondering why Tian Tian wouldn't acknowledge his feelings despite clearly liking him. Assistant Tang analyzed the situation, but his conclusion was that their feelings were likely not mutual, and Liu Xilai was probably unilaterally enthusiastic.
Unconvinced by this, Liu Xilai decided he needed to employ more "neat tricks" to win her over. Separately, Liu Xizhao was seen reflecting on his relationship with Wen Xian. He looked at a childhood photo of them and a drawing Wen Xian had given him, remembering her cheerful spirit. He realized that after all these years, Wen Xian was the only person who could instantly make him happy, concluding that she was, in fact, the most special person to him.
