Love's Ambition Episode 12 Recap
> Love's Ambition Recap
Fang Lei approaches Ms. Jiang at the event, but after a brief, somewhat dismissive interaction, she turns her attention to Jiang Liang. Jiang Liang greets her warmly, noting it's been a long time since they last met and asking about her time in New York. Fang Lei explains she’s been back for a while and her work has stabilized, suggesting they catch up.
Seeing Jiang Liang appear a bit tipsy, Fang Lei offers to mix him a hangover remedy of tomato juice and honey, a trick she's used before. This act triggers a memory for Shen Haoming of Fang Lei preparing the exact same "secret hangover remedy" for him in the past, a "family recipe" she insisted he drink. Back in the present, Jiang Liang expresses his appreciation and offers to introduce Fang Lei to some friends, advising her to eat something first.
Shen Haoming later confronts Fang Lei, telling her their cooperation with Yuanhang Fund is settled, so she doesn't need to flatter Jiang Liang anymore. Fang Lei retorts that the collaboration has only just begun, and she will meticulously maintain any connections that could benefit Shen Haoming.
She expresses feelings of inadequacy, admitting she feels useless compared to Xu Yan, who is beautiful, smart, and capable, and easily managed to connect with Ms. Jiang, a person Fang Lei didn't even dare to approach. She understands Xu Yan’s captivating appeal to Shen Haoming and laments that she cannot compare. Later, while being driven home by another man, Fang Lei adamantly states that her heart belongs solely to Shen Haoming, always has and always will.
She claims they share an unbreakable bond that outsiders wouldn't comprehend, despite the man's insistence that Shen Haoming has a loving family and there’s no possibility between them. Xu Yan arrives with Shen Haoming, who introduces her to Ms. Jiang. Xu Yan apologizes for her casual attire, explaining that fieldwork ran late and she didn't have time to change, detailing the practicality of her vest for her job.
Impressed, Ms. Jiang offers her lounge for Xu Yan to change into a more suitable outfit for the evening's dance, which Xu Yan gratefully accepts. After changing into a formal dress, Xu Yan admits she prefers her comfortable uniform, which feels more like herself. Ms. Jiang praises Shen Haoming for his beautiful and capable wife, calling her a true helpmate.
However, Xu Yan clarifies that she doesn't want to be merely "the woman behind her husband," managing his life and company. Instead, she seeks independence and security by keeping everything in her own hands, refusing to be an "appendage" to anyone. She then quotes Ms. Jiang's own words: "Be your own ship, your own lighthouse, and your own shore," explaining how deeply touched she was by them.
Ms. Jiang, recognizing Xu Yan's deliberate efforts to align with her values—including researching her past and mirroring her former reporter attire—tells Xu Yan, "You succeeded. . . because I really saw my past self in you." Xu Yan then presents Ms. Jiang with a gift: a collection of old photographs of Ms. Jiang from her early days as a journalist, explaining that she found them in the archives and that Ms. Jiang has always been her role model.
She assures Ms. Jiang that while her earlier actions might have seemed calculated, this gift is truly sincere. Ms. Jiang is touched and expresses her fondness for the gift. Subsequently, Ms. Jiang agrees to an exclusive interview with Xu Yan, suggesting they discuss how Ms. Jiang's journalism background influenced her entrepreneurial journey as they walk. Meanwhile, Jiang Liang introduces Fang Lei to his friends Chen Heng, Wu Chang, and Wang Hao, encouraging them all to drink.
Ms. Jiang also reconnects with Kriya, a friend, and they eagerly discuss their plans to finalize a long-standing business collaboration. Fang Lei, who has apparently been drinking heavily, looks unwell and is seen wiping her mouth, observing Shen Haoming and Xu Yan as they leave. Later, Shen Haoming offers Fang Lei warm milk, which she accepts. Ms. Jiang and Jiang Liang then meet with Shen Haoming to discuss the strategic partnership for the New District project.
Ms. Jiang clarifies that despite a pleasant conversation with Xu Yan, many companies are seeking their investment, and Shen Haoming's company is just one of four shortlisted, emphasizing that personal connections won't guarantee selection. Jiang Liang is more direct, stating that Shen Haoming is not the best candidate, lacks parent company backing, and his solo venture is too risky. Shen Haoming skillfully counters by highlighting his wife Xu Yan's public image of authenticity and credibility.
He argues that any dishonesty would be devastating to both their careers, thus demonstrating their commitment to being more transparent, responsible, and meticulous than competitors. He then reveals that a recent photo of the three of them at a banquet is trending online, causing both Jinda and Yuanhang's stocks to rise. Turning the tables, Shen Haoming asserts he also has four investment offers and asks why he should choose Yuanhang, telling them he will await their call.
Ms. Jiang finds his move "interesting." Separately, in the hospital, Yu Yiming's colleagues gossip about Qiao Lin, speculating that she has moved on from Mr. Lin to a chief orthopedic doctor, possibly even before their breakup. Lin Tao storms into Yu Yiming's office, claiming a "heart problem" and demanding to know Qiao Lin's whereabouts, accusing Yu Yiming of seducing her and threatening to expose his "dirty secrets."
Yu Yiming dismisses him, telling him to leave if he's not seeking actual medical treatment, and calls security when Lin Tao persists in calling him a "homewrecker." Qiao Lin arrives and confronts Lin Tao for causing a scene in the hospital. Lin Tao accuses her of finding someone new right after their breakup and asks if she was with Yu Yiming behind his back.
Qiao Lin vehemently denies any relationship with Yu Yiming, reminding Lin Tao they broke up long ago and his continued behavior is harassment. Lin Tao begs her to return, claiming he came specifically to take her home. Qiao Lin calls him "hopeless" and orders him to leave. Lin Tao then taunts her about attending adult college, implying it's solely to "match" Yu Yiming. Qiao Lin, offended, clarifies her studies are independent of him.
Lin Tao further antagonizes her by claiming Yu Yiming "emotionally manipulates" her into studying, unlike himself who "always accepted her lack of education and common sense." Qiao Lin sarcastically thanks him and attempts to hit him before Yu Yiming intervenes. Lin Tao dismisses Yu Yiming, proclaiming his first love with Qiao Lin is incomparable to any other relationship, declaring, "He's sick; I'm not." Shen Haoming's staff deliver personally selected gifts to Xu Yan for her birthday.
He also texts her to meet later. However, he then receives a phone call from Fang Lei. Fang Lei comments on how much "he" (presumably a child) has grown and how much "he" resembles her, admitting she went to see "him." An angered Shen Haoming asks who allowed her to meet "him" and warns her not to cross the line again. Fang Lei playfully dismisses his anger, then mentions it's Xu Yan's birthday.
Xu Yan, meanwhile, receives a message from Shen Haoming's staff saying he's at his studio and she should wait for him in the backyard. Shen Haoming rushes to meet Fang Lei. Fang Lei mockingly apologizes for interrupting his "romantic time" with Xu Yan, observing that he "still cares about us deep down." She then threatens him, stating that if he leaves, she will "really go meet him." Shen Haoming vehemently tells her not to dare.
Fang Lei counters that she doesn't need anyone's permission to meet "him," emphasizing that they are "related by blood" and "family bound by ties that can never be severed," questioning why he married an unrelated woman and couldn't wait for her. Distraught, Shen Haoming pleads, "Fang Lei, for your sister's sake, please let me go."
Fang Lei then grabs a bottle of pills, threatening, "Then I'll go find my sister," to which Shen Haoming desperately orders her to put them down. Unbeknownst to Xu Yan, who repeatedly tries to reach him, Shen Haoming does not answer her calls. Xu Yan, worried, calls his assistant, Chen Lin, who tells her Shen Haoming had an appointment with Xu Yan and left for his studio.
Finally returning home much later, Shen Haoming is greeted by a warm but concerned Xu Yan, who asks why he didn't answer her calls. He fabricates a story about an urgent contract signing meeting between Shifeng and Jinda, explaining his phone was on silent. Xu Yan, ever understanding, asks if he's eaten and offers to cook, but he declines, saying he already had something. She reassures him that waiting was "okay" since he had urgent matters.
Shen Haoming apologizes for the delay and finally wishes her a happy birthday, promising to take a shower before they share a cake together. Alone in the bathroom, Shen Haoming's composure crumbles. He is visibly tormented, and a memory reveals a conversation where he learns that Fang Lei's sister had an accident while diving and that her father, Mr. Fang, is on his way. Overwhelmed by grief, Shen Haoming breaks down in tears.
