Love's Ambition Episode 28 Recap
> Love's Ambition Recap
Xu Yan arrives at the Batik Shop, where she and Shen Haoming first met. After her call, she expresses gratitude to the owner, Mrs. Chu. Captivated by a stunning batik pattern, Xu Yan purchases a hand-dyed linen-cotton pouch and another item. She praises Mrs. Chu's dyeing skills and inquires about the technique for achieving different blues.
Mrs. Chu explains that the key to traditional indigo dyeing is the indigo paste, emphasizing that precise plant ash proportions and fermentation timing are crucial, otherwise the blues will turn grayish. Xu Yan compliments her mastery. Xu Yan then mentions seeing a batik piece by Master Chu Dongfeng at an exhibition, expressing her regret that he has ceased creating, reportedly due to losing inspiration from "the blues in his life." She notes his reclusive life.
Mrs. Chu sharply retorts that Master Chu is simply "creatively bankrupt," having failed to evolve artistically for years. When Xu Yan points out the similarity between Master Chu's exhibition piece and Mrs. Chu's own pouch, asking if they collaborated, Mrs. Chu realizes Xu Yan knows their history. Xu Yan confirms her intention was to convey that Master Chu has not abandoned batik, and his proclaimed loss of inspiration is in fact about Mrs. Chu.
Angered, Mrs. Chu tells Xu Yan to inform Master Chu to stop coveting her indigo dyeing techniques. Xu Yan attempts to mediate, suggesting their conflict is mere stubbornness and proposing they talk or collaborate again. Mrs. Chu rejects the idea of working with him and leaves. Later, Xu Yan calls Shen Haoming, who reports his efforts are "not well" and sends her a video. At a batik exhibition, Shen Haoming observes a mysteriously disguised Master Chu Dongfeng.
A staff member confirms that the man, who acts secretively, often visits with an annual pass. Shen Haoming ponders why Master Chu is secretly learning new techniques but concealing it from Mrs. Chu, speculating he fears she would perceive his efforts as disingenuous. Xu Yan confronts Shen Haoming about his presence there, sensing it is more than a coincidence.
Xu Yan later learns from a local woman that the hairpin Mrs. Chu dropped is a significant wedding gift from Master Chu, which Mrs. Chu has worn for decades. This reinforces Xu Yan's belief that despite her outward defiance, Mrs. Chu still holds feelings for Master Chu, just as Master Chu does for her. Xu Yan remarks that both are hiding their true emotions. Recognizing the hairpin's importance, Xu Yan decides to facilitate its return.
Shen Haoming, having previously failed to persuade Master Chu, approaches him again with the hairpin, claiming Mrs. Chu is waiting at the Mountaintop Cafe and gave him the hairpin as proof. Master Chu remains skeptical, saying his wife would have come herself if she wished to meet. Shen Haoming then threatens to inform Mrs. Chu of his lack of interest, which prompts Master Chu to agree to the meeting.
Concurrently, Xu Yan tells Mrs. Chu that Master Chu found her hairpin and is waiting at the cafe, prompting Mrs. Chu to go. Observing from a distance, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming watch the couple. Shen Haoming initially believes they are reconciling when Mrs. Chu puts on the hairpin, but Xu Yan notes her unhappy expression. Indeed, Master Chu and Mrs. Chu immediately begin arguing, with Mrs. Chu accusing him of being a liar.
Rushing over, Shen Haoming admits his deception in bringing them together but questions why Master Chu did not seize the opportunity. Master Chu dismisses it. Shen Haoming then reveals his own regrets, confessing his arrogance led him to lose the most important person in his life. He recounts how his pride prevented him from admitting his lingering feelings, resulting in his wife's deep disappointment and distrust.
He urges Master Chu to openly admit his love and not to fear rejection, asking why he could dye many blues but not the one that truly matters, suggesting he's waiting for Mrs. Chu. Mrs. Chu tries to dismiss Xu Yan, telling her to stop meddling. Xu Yan addresses Mrs. Chu, apologizing for her interference but explaining her sincere intentions.
She emphasizes Mrs. Chu's profound importance to Master Chu and clarifies that he desires her as a person, not merely her unique "blue" dyeing technique. Xu Yan shares her personal journey through similar doubts about the sincerity of Shen Haoming's love. She explains that hearing Master Chu and Mrs. Chu's story inspired her to give her own relationship another chance.
She encourages Mrs. Chu to believe in Master Chu's efforts and shows her a video of him secretly attending batik exhibitions with an annual pass, demonstrating his continued dedication to the craft and his commitment to change. Mrs. Chu remains unconvinced, insisting that if Master Chu truly cared, he would admit it himself, not through intermediaries. At that moment, Master Chu steps forward, stating he is not afraid to admit it, and asks Mrs. Chu to dye with him again.
Mrs. Chu, still hesitant, reminds him he can dye by himself. Master Chu clarifies, "What I want is the person who dyes the fabric." They reconcile. Later, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming celebrate Master Chu and Mrs. Chu's reconciliation, with Shen Haoming commenting on the enduring synergy of old partners. Shen Haoming informs Xu Yan about a performance he has that evening and invites her to watch, which she accepts, wishing him good luck.
Shen Haoming takes the stage, performing a play where he portrays Chen Shimei, a character notorious for his ingratitude and mistreatment of his wife. During his performance, he delivers a poignant confession, acknowledging his past arrogance and how his self-serving ways cost him the most important person in his life. He expresses gratitude to Xu Yan for helping him discern whether he genuinely loved her or merely cherished being loved by her.
He concludes by declaring that he is the man who has finally realized he still loves her. Deeply moved by his heartfelt confession, Xu Yan sheds tears. As Shen Haoming steps off stage, Xu Yan rushes to him, and they share a heartfelt embrace. Meanwhile, Qiao Lin discusses the unexpectedly smooth progress of their offline experience stores with her assistant. The lease agreements for three new stores have been signed, and renovation plans are finalized.
They now need to disburse rent and initial renovation fees. She instructs her assistant to confirm the financial details with Lin Tao before she authorizes the payment. Lin Tao then voices his concerns, suggesting they postpone the offline store development and redirect funds to production. He explains that recent tightening of bank policies might delay their loan approval, leaving them vulnerable to substantial supplier penalty fees.
Qiao Lin directs her team to continue as planned while she consults with Lin Tao. Lin Tao later reports that he has secured a loan through an old colleague at another bank. He presents the completed financial statements and other documents for Qiao Lin to stamp, explaining they need to travel to his hometown the following day for finalization. Qiao Lin, trusting Lin Tao, stamps the documents without close inspection, missing his conflicted expression.
Shen Haoming reports to his father, the Chairman, about the successful partnership with Baraikin, detailing his team's upcoming trip to Moscow for design and workflow management. He assures his father of his rigorous oversight to establish it as a flagship international project. Shen Haoming then proposes acquiring a valuable residential land plot in East China, emphasizing its high market potential and strategic importance.
His father supports the bid and promises Shen Haoming a board seat at next Friday's meeting as recognition for securing the Baraikin project, acknowledging his capabilities. Shen Haoming expresses his gratitude, but also his remorse for his earlier deception towards Baraikin. His father advises him on the fundamental importance of integrity and mutual benefit in business dealings. He then inquires about the reasons behind Shen Haoming's significant recent transformation.
Shen Haoming happily announces his reconciliation with Xu Yan, confirming they are still married. His father expresses his and his mother's approval, noting that Shen Haochen will be particularly delighted. Later, Jiang Liang surprises Xu Yan at her office with a large bouquet of flowers, welcoming her back. He praises her passion for batik and playfully remarks on a "romantic aura" about her.
Xu Yan candidly informs him of her reconciliation with Shen Haoming and her plan to move back home. Jiang Liang expresses understanding of her decisive nature but still asks "why." Xu Yan explains that their relationship, once secretive, is now "open and honest." Accepting her decision, Jiang Liang humorously offers to be her "backup option" if their relationship status ever changes. Xu Yan gently declines, stating Shen Haoming has always been her "only choice."
Jiang Liang jokingly replies that he will "drown his sorrows" tonight, despite never having a chance to start, and promises to always be her "strong backer and ally." He wishes her happiness, and she wishes him eternal carefree spirit. Meanwhile, Steve is informed by his "godfather" that Shen Jinsong intends to appoint Shen Haoming to the board, and they must prevent it.
Steve notes Shen Haoming's increasing formidable nature, especially now that he has reconciled with Xu Yan and is thriving. He recalls Fang Lei, while drunk, mentioning that her sister, Fang Yu, dated Shen Haoming in England and became pregnant. Steve immediately questions the child's fate and paternity. Han Weiping, present during the conversation, states that Fang Lei was tight-lipped about the details.
Steve instructs Han Weiping to "dig deeper" into Shen Haoming and Fang Yu's past during their time studying abroad, with the "key focus" being "the child." At home, Fang Lei discusses Shen Haoming and Xu Yan's reconciliation, feeling unsettled. She complains to Han Weiping about their reunion, while he is recovering from a boxing injury. Han Weiping attempts to comfort her, offering his unconditional support if she decides to pursue action against Shen Haoming.
However, Fang Lei declares she no longer cares about Shen Haoming and needs to move on. Han Weiping subtly tries to revisit the topic of her sister's pregnancy, but Fang Lei quickly dismisses it as a misunderstanding, attributing his recollection to being drunk. Shen Haochen warmly greets Xu Yan upon her arrival home, asking if she and his brother have reconciled. She confirms, stating they have "always been good," and playfully teases Shen Haoming about his past "gloomy-faced photos."
Shen Haochen then eagerly presents Xu Yan with a book of his drawings. He explains that after she left, their family felt "shattered and incomplete," like a "tornado." He shows her drawings of himself and Shen Haoming looking sad, desperately wishing for her return. Another drawing depicts Xu Yan alone amidst "glaciers," symbolizing her difficult journey, and he explains he kept a "light on" to guide her home.
The final drawing portrays their "family of five" joyfully reunited, declaring them "the happiest family in the world." Xu Yan is deeply moved, proclaiming it the "best gift" she has ever received, "a hundred times better than your brother's gift." Shen Haochen requests to sleep with Xu Yan and Shen Haoming that night, and they affectionately agree. The family then gathers for a meal, a scene of renewed warmth and togetherness.
