Love's Ambition Episode 20 Recap
> Love's Ambition Recap
Steve called Qu, informing him that he had seen Shen Haoming and his wife at Yanbo Resort with the Baraikins, and it appeared they were gaining favor. Qu instructed Steve to investigate and stop Shen Haoming at all costs from securing the Baraikins' cooperation. Meanwhile, Shen Haoming returned to his room, lost in thought.
Xu Yan approached him, confused as to why he would seek her help, a more difficult route, instead of using Jinda Group's established channels to approach Mr. Baraikin. She suspected there might be issues within his company. Shen Haoming confessed that his father did not trust him at the company, and the board members merely humored him. He explained that Jinda Group's overseas market expansion had historically been a weak point due to incompetent past managers.
Lacking management authority over international operations and not being a board member, coupled with his father's constant doubts, meant that approaching Mr. Baraikin officially would be seen as improper. He needed to secure this cooperation to join the board. His father had voted against his board entry because Shen Haoming had a child out of wedlock and insisted on raising Haochen, which caused a significant disagreement. Since then, his father had lost trust in him.
Xu Yan asked about Haochen's biological mother. Shen Haoming revealed that he had broken up with Fang Yu two months before she discovered her pregnancy. On a rainy day, she came to him, pregnant with his child, but stated she didn't want him to be responsible. Tragically, shortly after Haochen's birth, Fang Yu went diving with friends, encountered an ocean current, and passed away. DNA tests confirmed Haochen was his child, so he brought him home.
His father, fearing the situation would disrupt the family, had them announce Haochen as Shen Haoming's younger brother. Xu Yan then gently guided him, suggesting that his father's strictness and distrust might stem from a desire to protect him in a large corporation where even minor mistakes are magnified. She emphasized that distrust does not equate to indifference. Shen Haoming appreciated her comforting words but, still fixated on his goal, pressed her to reveal who had invested in her.
Xu Yan firmly reminded him that their relationship was strictly professional and he had no right to inquire about her private affairs, telling him to focus on tomorrow's plans. The next day, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming accompanied the Baraikins to a folk culture fair. While they were enjoying cultural experiences, including making zongzi, Steve was attempting to sabotage their plans. He climbed a tree to secretly take photos but accidentally inhaled pesticide, causing him to become disoriented and fall.
Later, Shen Haoming offered to draw Xu Yan's eyebrows, referencing the ancient practice of "Zhang Chang drawing eyebrows" as a sign of intimate love between a husband and wife. With the Baraikins present, Xu Yan, though initially shy, agreed to the demonstration for the sake of their mission, feeling a genuine flutter in her heart as Shen Haoming meticulously drew her eyebrows.
The Baraikins were delighted by their apparent affection, with Mrs. Baraikin remarking that seeing them reminded her of her own early marriage and their lovely connection. Xu Yan also shared about her ethnic-inspired fashion brand, Yan Studio, which she co-founded with her sister and friends, even gifting Mrs. Baraikin a sample dress.
Mrs. Baraikin was impressed by Xu Yan's kindness and enthusiasm, and the couples discovered that Mr. Baraikin was also in real estate, but they agreed not to discuss work during their vacation. Later, Steve was overheard on the phone confirming that Shen Haoming and Xu Yan were in a divorce cooling-off period and would divorce soon. He now knew what to do.
Back in their room, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming discussed the spy they believed was hiding in their wardrobe earlier. Shen Haoming identified him as a corporate spy, deciding not to confront him directly to avoid alerting him and risking sabotage. Instead, they would "go with it for now" and use the situation to their advantage.
As they enjoyed afternoon tea at the cultural street, a disheveled Steve, covered in mud, suddenly appeared, claiming he'd had an accident because the place wasn't "welcoming to singles." He brought gifts for the Baraikins, subtly introducing Shen Haoming as "the heir apparent of Jinda, the leading construction group." He then directly questioned Shen Haoming about rumors of his divorce and Xu Yan's live streaming activities.
Xu Yan explained that she had initially quit her job as a financial news anchor to start a business, tried live streaming for market research, and then founded Yan Studio after realizing it wasn't the right fit. Undeterred, Steve continued his attempt to expose them by pointing out a pillow and blanket on the living room sofa, as well as separately kept toiletries in their hotel room, suggesting they were not sharing a bed.
Shen Haoming quickly explained that it was a consequence of a "splashing game" they had played the previous night, where Xu Yan, annoyed by his lack of teamwork, had jokingly "taken away his chance to share a bed with her." When Steve demanded to see their bedroom as proof, Shen Haoming and Xu Yan were prepared.
They led the Baraikins into a room beautifully decorated with flowers and candles, creating the illusion of a romantic surprise Shen Haoming had prepared for Xu Yan, deflecting Steve's suspicions. Xu Yan was deeply annoyed by Steve's hurtful words and persistent questioning, but she maintained her composure. During dinner, Steve again brought up the topic, asking why Xu Yan was not wearing a wedding ring, which caught the Baraikins' attention.
Seeing no other option, Shen Haoming bravely improvised, admitting that their marriage had indeed faced some problems, and this vacation was his "trip of reconciliation." He expressed his immaturity and how he had deeply hurt Xu Yan, causing a rift between them and leading to a silent treatment period.
He then recounted how he had come to realize Xu Yan's importance in his life, recalling her unwavering support during his career struggles, her courage in shielding him from harm, and her loving care for his parents and brother when he was preoccupied with work. With the Baraikins as witnesses, Shen Haoming pulled out a wedding ring he had carried throughout the trip and, on one knee, earnestly asked Xu Yan for her forgiveness and another chance.
Xu Yan was genuinely moved by his sincere plea. Steve, still trying to cast doubt, suggested that a truly reconciled couple should share a kiss. Shen Haoming and Xu Yan immediately shared a heartfelt kiss, silencing Steve. Mr. Baraikin offered some sage advice, reminding them that couples often argue but should never let misunderstandings truly separate them, urging them not to let the past affect their future.
He expressed his admiration for Shen Haoming's composure and patience, especially in never mentioning work matters throughout the vacation. Mr. Baraikin then stated that he was open to hearing about Shen Haoming's intentions and would consider adding Jinda Group to his list of potential partners, acknowledging Jinda as an excellent real estate company. He promised to await Shen Haoming's call and to host him generously should he visit Russia, and expected the same in return.
After the Baraikins departed, Shen Haoming instinctively reached for Xu Yan's hand. Xu Yan pulled away, stating clearly that her task was complete and their contract had ended. Shen Haoming awkwardly apologized, explaining he had grown accustomed to holding her hand. Xu Yan insisted he could break the habit, but Shen Haoming still offered to take her home.
