Master of My Own Episode 16 Recap
> Master of My Own Recap
Ning Meng was lying in bed, reflecting on Lu Jiming's earlier words, when her phone rang. It was Su Weiran, calling to offer her a new, improved pair of AR glasses to try. Ning Meng explained that she was out of Shanghai on a business trip but would be back the next day, suggesting they meet then. Su Weiran noted a hint of unhappiness in her voice, but Ning Meng quickly dismissed his concern.
The following day, Ning Meng took a high-speed rail back to Shanghai. On board, she recognized Lin Dayi, whom she had briefly encountered at a previous entrepreneurship competition. After proper introductions, Lin Dayi, who humbly introduced himself as an analyst despite his temporary manager title, shared the inspiration behind his project, Mobi, a home fitness equipment line.
He explained that after years as a software developer, working long hours and eating unhealthily, he grew fearful upon hearing news of young people's sudden deaths. A timely health check-up revealed significant issues, prompting him to embrace exercise out of a desire to preserve his life. Over time, it evolved from a necessity into a passion, which he then sought to combine with his professional expertise to create a business.
Impressed, Ning Meng expressed strong interest in conducting a detailed market survey, and Lin Dayi enthusiastically invited her to visit his company whenever she wished. A few days later, Ning Meng arrived at Mobi's office, immediately noticing the vibrant energy of the employees, many of whom were fitness enthusiasts. The environment exuded a high-tech feel.
Lin Dayi demonstrated their aesthetically pleasing yet functional equipment, like a treadmill designed for a slower, safer unfolding, and showcased their proprietary software which generated personalized workout plans. He also pointed out the in-app tutorials for less familiar machines, such as the rowing machine, and discussed future plans to integrate biomechanics for enhanced safety and user guidance. Ning Meng praised Mobi's development philosophy, particularly its attention to space efficiency, design, safety, and professional standards, which offered a distinct competitive advantage.
She later presented her positive assessment to Shi Ying, who agreed the project showed great promise. Shi Ying then directed Ning Meng to conduct thorough market research, including competitor analysis and benchmarking, and submit a comprehensive report. Soon after, Madam Liu called Ning Meng, inquiring about Lu Jiming's upcoming birthday. She hoped to arrange a family dinner, mentioning that Lu Jiming hadn't responded to her messages and asking Ning Meng to relay the invitation.
Ning Meng, however, clarified that she no longer worked at Joint Capital and thus couldn't access Lu Jiming's schedule. Madam Liu initially worried that Ning Meng and Lu Jiming had fallen out, but Ning Meng assured her it was merely a professional transition. Madam Liu then confided in Ning Meng about the strained relationship between Lu Jiming and his father, expressing her hope that the birthday celebration could help mend their differences.
Sympathizing with Madam Liu, Ning Meng agreed to call Lu Jiming, though she couldn't guarantee his attendance. When Ning Meng contacted Lu Jiming, he was pleased to hear from her and initially stated he had no plans for his birthday. However, his mood shifted abruptly when he learned the invitation was for a family dinner with his father, which he flatly refused, citing past arguments and his father's stubborn nature.
Ning Meng gently reminded him of their earlier conversation about spending more time with his father. Seeing Ning Meng's awkwardness, Lu Jiming eventually relented, but on the condition that Ning Meng accompany him. Reluctantly, Ning Meng agreed. On the day of the birthday dinner, Ning Meng accompanied Lu Jiming to his family home. Madam Liu warmly welcomed them, and Lu Jiming's father expressed his delight at Ning Meng's visit.
Madam Liu praised Lu Jiming for bringing thoughtful gifts for his father. Lu Jiming's father then spoke fondly of the fishing apparatus Ning Meng had given him previously, though he lamented that the fish in the wild lake had become too clever to bite. Madam Liu suggested Lu Jiming join his father for fishing, hoping they would have a meaningful conversation.
Lu Jiming was initially hesitant, fearing they would scare the fish away, but Ning Meng encouraged him, pointing out his upcoming client fishing trip and suggesting his father could offer tips. Though reluctant, Lu Jiming eventually agreed. As they headed out, Madam Liu urged Lu Jiming to take a jacket for his father.
At the pond, Lu Jiming, concerned his father might get cold, took off his own jacket and put it on him, despite his father's initial dismissal of the concern. By the pond, the two men continued to bicker, first about Lu Jiming's excessive phone use and then about Lu Jiming's father's prolonged sitting. Their conversation shifted to business, with Lu Jiming's father raising concerns about Lu Jiming's investment in an eco-friendly material and a major shareholder's opposition.
Lu Jiming defended his approach, drawing parallels to 3M's long-term patent development. Lu Jiming's father repeatedly recounted a familiar story, frustrating Lu Jiming, who challenged him to make their company a century-old business. Lu Jiming's father also brought up Ning Meng's resignation, questioning her continued presence, only to learn Madam Liu had invited her. The argument escalated when a fish bit the hook, and Lu Jiming's father blamed his son for scaring it away.
He angrily threw Lu Jiming's arm away and stormed off. After calming down, Lu Jiming's father put on the jacket Lu Jiming had given him, though he did not apologize. During dinner, Madam Liu, out of concern, mentioned Lu Jiming's father's recent high blood pressure. This remark angered Lu Jiming's father, who accused her of ruining the meal. Lu Jiming intervened to defend Madam Liu, stressing the importance of health and reducing alcohol consumption.
Lu Jiming's father retorted that he knew his own body and that his high blood pressure was caused by his son. The argument intensified as Lu Jiming accused his father of being unreasonable, bringing up how his father had treated his mother, implying it was the reason she left. Enraged, Lu Jiming's father stood up, pointing at Lu Jiming and declaring that if he hated being home, he shouldn't return.
Lu Jiming countered, saying he doubted his father would even remember it was his birthday without Madam Liu's reminder and that his father only cared about himself. The dispute culminated in a bitter conclusion, prompting Ning Meng to leave with Lu Jiming. After leaving the house, Lu Jiming drove Ning Meng home. Noticing that he hadn't eaten much, Ning Meng invited him into her apartment and prepared a bowl of longevity noodles for him.
While he was eating, Ning Meng's parents initiated a video call, inquiring about her work. Ning Meng’s mother subtly complained about her "current boss" not being much better than her previous one, unaware that Lu Jiming, her former employer, was sitting right there. Ning Meng quickly ended the call. Feeling a bit flustered, she offered Lu Jiming another bowl of noodles. Seeing him eat voraciously, Ning Meng wished him a "Happy Birthday."
Lu Jiming was momentarily stunned, visibly moved by her simple gesture, remarking that it had been a long time since he felt such warmth. Ning Meng teased him, asking if he had food on his face or tooth, then clarified she was just joking. The next day, Lu Jiming, dressed in casual clothes, drove himself to the airport after receiving an audio message from Han Yimeng asking him to pick her up.
Simultaneously, Ning Meng arrived at the airport to pick up You Qi. As Ning Meng and You Qi walked through the terminal, they spotted Lu Jiming embracing another woman. Ning Meng asked You Qi if she knew them, and You Qi then greeted Lu Jiming, asking how he was.
