Love's Ambition Episode 21 Recap
> Love's Ambition Recap
Shen Haoming drove Xu Yan home, remarking that their last vacation together had been their honeymoon, a comment that touched Xu Yan. To avoid upsetting him further, Xu Yan informed him that Jiang Liang was the investor for Yan Studio. Shen Haoming immediately reacted childishly, slandering Jiang Liang as a good-for-nothing who relied on his sister. Xu Yan countered, stating that Jiang Liang's advice had been quite practical and he was not as clueless as Shen Haoming claimed.
Shen Haoming, angered, demanded to know why Xu Yan hadn't informed him about seeking investors a month prior, especially when she met Jiang Liang at the cafe. Xu Yan retorted that she was no longer his concern and questioned why she should tell him anything, reminding him that Qiao Lin had already mentioned her search for sponsorship, yet he hadn't paid attention then.
The argument escalated as Shen Haoming brought up an old social media post where Xu Yan had praised her grandmother's osmanthus jam, implying he had bought it because of her words. Xu Yan, now equally combative, fired back with a torrent of revelations. She admitted that her fever during their first interview was real, but her fainting was faked.
She revealed that the band-aid he thought he gave her was actually from Secretary Chen, and she had silently accepted his assumption. She also mocked his online post about osmanthus jam as "melodramatic rambling." Xu Yan further criticized his fashion choices, from his "old-fashioned" suits to his "slicked-back hair," and questioned why he wore glasses if he wasn't nearsighted, accusing him of feigning an "old money" aesthetic. Shen Haoming, enraged by her words, slammed his glasses onto the dashboard.
He then retaliated by criticizing her cooking and her taste, claiming he had forced himself to eat her food and accept her "tacky and tasteless" gifts. Xu Yan, unfazed, admitted she was "used to" receiving men's gifts, implying numerous past relationships. When Shen Haoming pressed her for a number, she sarcastically added "a zero" to his assertion of "one," implying ten past partners.
Furious, Shen Haoming pulled the car over, and Xu Yan got out, declaring their divorce was set for the 8th of the month. After the heated exchange, Xu Yan found solace and purpose in her flourishing work. She video-called her Grandma, proudly showcasing her expanded Yan Studio and introducing her enthusiastic team, including designer Yao and model Guan.
Her Grandma offered heartfelt encouragement, reminding her that striving for success wasn't solely about money but also about cultivating inner confidence and a positive spirit. Meanwhile, Shen Haoming was plagued by the impending divorce on the 8th. His son, Shen Haochen, noticed his father's despondency and urged him to swallow his pride, apologize to Xu Yan, and win her back, emphasizing that rejection was not a failure.
Though initially dismissive, Shen Haoming later found himself pondering his son’s advice, lamenting his own foolishness. He then reached out to Xu Yan via text message, inviting her to dinner with Mr. Baraikin, but she declined, citing her busy schedule. He then told her the payment for her work would be wired to her account.
A revelation unfolded at Jinda Group when Shen Haoming's father discovered that the strategically important 120-mu plot for Project 018 had been purchased a decade ago by his son. Shen Haoming explained his foresight, detailing how his studies of urban design and planning led him to predict the area's development into a new high-speed rail district, an insight the company had missed. He revealed he had secured funding from college classmates by helping them earn profits through short-term futures.
When asked for his terms to transfer the land, Shen Haoming offered it unconditionally to the group. He then sincerely apologized to his father for the past troubles regarding Shen Haochen and expressed deep gratitude for his parents' unwavering love and tolerance.
Moved by his son's newfound maturity, Shen Haoming's father promised him a seat on the board if he successfully forged a partnership with Mr. Baraikin and expanded Jinda's overseas market, cautioning him about the increased scrutiny such a position would bring. Shen Haoming humbly expressed that his father's trust was more important to him than a board seat. Elsewhere, Yan Studio continued to thrive, with Jiang Liang personally visiting to inspect their progress.
Xu Yan and her team conducted interviews for new positions, welcoming Meng Zhao, Zhao Kehuan, and Qu Xiaowan, a former 4A agency planner who impressed them with her eagerness and focus on opportunity over salary. Shen Haoming became increasingly desperate to avoid the divorce. When Xu Yan called to confirm their appointment at the Civil Affairs Bureau on the 8th, he lied, claiming to be on a business trip in Russia to capitalize on a successful meeting with Mr. Baraikin.
Suspicious, Xu Yan called Secretary Chen, who initially corroborated the lie by saying Shen Haoming was in Moscow, then changed his story to Alexandria. Xu Yan exposed his lie by pointing out that Alexandria is in Egypt, not Russia. When confronted at Jinda, Shen Haoming feigned sudden heart problems, complaining of chest tightness and palpitations.
Despite seeing through his act, Xu Yan accompanied him to the hospital, where he prolonged their stay by requesting comprehensive examinations across multiple departments, including cardiology, ENT, and ophthalmology, to waste time. They finally rushed to the Civil Affairs Bureau, but Shen Haoming further delayed them by lingering in the men's restroom, causing them to miss the closing time.
The staff informed them that their previous divorce application had been automatically voided due to missing the deadline, requiring them to reapply and return on the 8th of the following month. Xu Yan stormed off in frustration, while Shen Haoming secretly shook the staff's hand in relief. Meanwhile, Jiang Liang took Xu Yan to a private film museum.
He shared his childhood passion for movies, instilled by his mother, and his initial dream of becoming a director before being persuaded to study finance. He revealed that after his parents' deaths and his sister's busy schedule, collecting film memorabilia became his way of coping. He then confessed to Xu Yan that he had missed his "leading lady" as a director but found his "one-in-a-lifetime partner" in her, as a businessman.
Xu Yan, in turn, shared her childhood aspiration of becoming a news anchor, noting their shared dreams. They took photos on a replica scooter from "Roman Holiday," discussing the film's bittersweet ending. Xu Yan expressed her dislike for the tragic conclusion, reflecting on the adult realities that often prevent loving couples from staying together. Jiang Liang then shared a poignant quote from the movie, "Life isn't always what one likes."
Their moment was interrupted by Meiru, who appeared and directly challenged Jiang Liang, accusing him of having previously misled her with a prop bike that wouldn't start. After Meiru left, Xu Yan calmly acknowledged Jiang Liang's "mentorship" style with women. Jiang Liang, eager to impress Xu Yan, highlighted their matching outfits, suggesting a deeper connection. Later, at a bar, Fang Lei approached a drinking Shen Haoming.
She maliciously gossiped about Xu Yan and Jiang Liang, calling Jiang Liang a "ladies' man who never commits" now "completely infatuated" with Xu Yan, and implying Xu Yan was desperately seeking a new partner. Shen Haoming defended Xu Yan, reminding Fang Lei that Xu Yan was still his wife and to watch her words. Enraged by his defense, Fang Lei accused him of being "used to" being "cheated on," then dramatically splashed water in his face. Seeing his angry gaze, she smiled, finding satisfaction in finally getting his attention and goading him to hit her.
