Master of My Own Episode 18 Recap
> Master of My Own Recap
Ning Meng questioned Shi Ying about her continued favoritism, asking if it was solely due to her relationship with Lu Jiming. Shi Ying admitted it was a factor but insisted that Ning Meng's competence and potential were the primary reasons for hiring her. She explained that the workplace is fundamentally composed of people and tasks, and while work ability is crucial, it cannot exist in isolation from human connections.
Especially in the investment field, strong personal networks are indispensable and are considered a vital part of one's overall capability. Shi Ying emphasized that Ning Meng's knack for maintaining good relationships was an advantage and advised her not to overthink it, suggesting that if Ning Meng learned to leverage resources effectively, the outcome would be greater than the sum of its parts.
Shi Ying also mentioned her strategic partnership with Lu Jiming, asking if Ning Meng would mind being inextricably linked to his circle if she stayed. As Ning Meng walked home alone, the bustling streets felt eerily empty. When she was about to enter her apartment, she heard a sound from the opposite door. Her heart sank when a cleaning lady emerged, rather than Lu Jiming. Memories of their past interactions flickered in her mind, hinting at a growing unease.
Upon You Qi's return, Ning Meng declared her intention to move out. You Qi expressed surprise, highlighting how difficult it was to find such a good apartment in Shanghai. Ning Meng clarified that while the apartment itself was excellent, she could no longer afford the "additional cost"—the indirect reliance on Lu Jiming. She desired to sever ties with him, not wanting her achievements to be attributed to his influence, directly or indirectly.
You Qi wholeheartedly supported Ning Meng's resolve, asserting that physical separation was the crucial first step toward psychological independence, and encouraged her to stand firm in her decision. Ning Meng later discussed her decision to move out with Shi Ying, clearly articulating her reasons. She expressed profound gratitude for Shi Ying's initial offer of cheap rent, which had helped her immensely.
However, having now adapted to her new company and having more energy for her personal life, Ning Meng felt she could no longer depend on Shi Ying. She feared that continually choosing the easy path would eventually erode her courage and perseverance for more challenging routes. While acknowledging Lu Jiming's expertise and judgment, Ning Meng affirmed her deep confidence in Eaglestone Capital and in herself.
She declared her aspiration to grow into a towering tree herself, rather than remaining like small grass shaded by Lu Jiming's formidable presence. Furthermore, Ning Meng passionately advocated for the Mobi project, stating that she had thoroughly researched their company and products and admired Lin Dayi’s unique product development philosophy.
She emphasized Mobi's commitment to professionalism amidst a market dominated by price wars, clarifying that her interest in the project was not impulsive but stemmed from it being the first genuinely good project she had recognized since joining the company. She requested Shi Ying's approval to continue pursuing the project and promised to find suitable limited partners. Impressed by Ning Meng's decisiveness and bravery, Shi Ying agreed, while also cautioning her to be mindful of sunk costs and time.
Shi Ying reiterated that Ning Meng should prioritize her comfort regarding her living situation. With a wistful gaze at the apartment filled with shared memories, Ning Meng pulled her suitcase and departed. Outside, she ran into Zeng Yuhang, who asked if she was going on another business trip. Ning Meng informed him she was moving out, which surprised him. You Qi, eager to leave, hurried Ning Meng into the elevator.
After Ning Meng left, Zeng Yuhang considered informing Lu Jiming but ultimately hesitated, deciding it was perhaps for the best. Meanwhile, Ning Meng and You Qi began organizing their new apartment. You Qi playfully accused Ning Meng of only asking her to help with strenuous tasks like assembling furniture. Ning Meng clarified she was showing support by ordering a Mobi fitness equipment unit.
You Qi then mentioned her boyfriend, He Yueluan, expressing irritation that he had been evasive about his arrival, sparking a suspicion that he might be secretly engaged in other activities. She immediately video-called him, but he hung up. Undeterred, she called again. When He Yueluan finally answered, You Qi noticed he was in a dimly lit place, holding a bouquet of roses, and confronted him about it.
Ning Meng, sensing the situation, quickly opened the door to find He Yueluan standing outside. He Yueluan explained he had just arrived after his flight, intending to surprise You Qi, who expressed her dislike for surprises. After He Yueluan thanked Ning Meng for taking care of You Qi, Ning Meng, recognizing the need for privacy, quickly excused herself to give the couple their personal space.
Back at Lu Jiming’s building, he was initially mistaken for a thief by someone attempting to enter the apartment. Lu Jiming then learned from Zeng Yuhang that Ning Meng had moved out about a week prior and expressed surprise that she hadn't informed him. Zeng Yuhang dismissed it as her personal business, suggesting it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Lu Jiming, however, speculated that Shi Ying might be troubling Ning Meng because he hadn't invested in the Mobi project.
Zeng Yuhang subtly suggested that Lu Jiming's concern for Ning Meng was excessive, implying he was acting like a "scumbag." Lu Jiming denied it, claiming his concern stemmed from his role as her former boss. Ning Meng faced an uphill battle trying to secure investments for Mobi. Despite numerous calls, she made no progress throughout the day. She initially thought she had oversimplified things, but deep down, she believed in Mobi's potential and Lin Dayi's trust in her.
You Qi suggested she seek advice from an expert like Su Weiran. Ning Meng reluctantly reached out to Su Weiran, who frankly admitted his skepticism about the project. He explained that he didn't see home fitness as a strong market due to saturation and the ease with which Mobi's unique folding feature could be imitated. Seeing Ning Meng's disappointment, Su Weiran shared a personal anecdote about a challenging thesis topic from his university days.
He had initially followed his professor's advice to change the topic, only for a later student to succeed with the very same research, becoming an authority in the field. Su Weiran advised Ning Meng not to shoulder the burden alone and suggested that open communication with the founder could uncover new insights.
Later, over a barbecue, Ning Meng confessed to Lin Dayi that her attempts to secure limited partners had been unsuccessful, with several companies finding Mobi's folding function and professionalism insufficient as unique selling points. Lin Dayi, however, remained unfazed. He jovially recounted his many setbacks in entrepreneurship, explaining how they had helped him develop a "big heart" for failures.
He emphasized that one must never give up, likening the process to marathon beginners who need running buddies to motivate them when they feel like quitting. Lin Dayi added that exercising can be dull without company and encouragement, explaining why many home treadmills end up as clothes racks due to a lack of atmosphere and interaction. This sparked an idea in Ning Meng: what if they gathered all Mobi users into a social fitness group?
Lin Dayi enthusiastically agreed, seeing the potential for interaction, likes, comments, and online competitions with rewards, which he gladly offered to fund. He was thrilled that this solution involved software updates, tapping into his background as a software developer. Lu Jiming's Uncle Lu, after seeing Ning Meng's social media post about the Mobi project, called her and asked her to help him purchase a rowing machine for his home. Ning Meng happily delivered the equipment.
Madam Liu enthusiastically demonstrated the rowing machine, highlighting its joint-friendly nature and suitability for the elderly. Uncle Lu expressed his reluctance to go to a gym. Ning Meng encouraged him to try the machine, detailing its IF award, realistic rowing simulation, and app connectivity for social competitions. She even offered to compete with him using her own unit. Uncle Lu found it intriguing, comparing it to a game. Just then, Lu Jiming arrived with Han Yimeng.
Madam Liu warmly welcomed Han Yimeng. Ning Meng introduced herself to Han Yimeng as Lu Jiming's former secretary. Feeling awkward, Ning Meng quickly made an excuse about an upcoming meeting and left, despite Madam Liu's invitation to stay for tea. Lu Jiming followed her, asking why she had moved out. Ning Meng offered only terse, vague replies, insisting there was "no reason" and that she simply "didn't want to stay anymore."
When Lu Jiming suggested Shi Ying might be troubling her due to his non-investment in Mobi, Ning Meng reassured him that Mobi's progress was good and urged him to return to dinner before walking away. During dinner, Madam Liu and Uncle Lu spoke glowingly of Ning Meng, praising her thoughtfulness and recalling how she had been Lu Jiming's capable assistant.
Madam Liu noted that Lu Jiming rarely came home unless Ning Meng encouraged him, implying she was the only one he listened to. Lu Jiming, present at the table, dismissed their conversation. Madam Liu then turned to Han Yimeng, inquiring about her personal life. Han Yimeng revealed she had recently broken up with her boyfriend, attributing it to the common difficulty successful individuals face in finding partners. Madam Liu observed that Lu Jiming faced similar challenges.
Uncle Lu offered to help Han Yimeng find a suitable partner from his company. Madam Liu then suggested that Lu Jiming and Han Yimeng, being childhood friends, would make a good match. Lu Jiming immediately rejected the idea, stating that Han Yimeng was like an older sister to him. Uncle Lu quickly diffused the awkward atmosphere by changing the subject and inviting Han Yimeng to dine with them more frequently.
Ning Meng's innovative idea quickly bore fruit, gaining positive feedback from users and attracting significant interest from investors. Lin Dayi expressed his excitement, noting that the "socialization" aspect of their new plan had indeed proven to be a key highlight. Recognizing the momentum, Shi Ying instructed Ning Meng to strike while the iron was hot.
She had already contacted representatives from several interested companies and arranged a small investment recommendation meeting at Eaglestone Capital to select the most suitable limited partner. Ning Meng proudly noted that it was now their turn to choose investors, a reversal from their previous position. Shi Ying, impressed by the project's progress, decided to attend the meeting herself and pledged to mobilize all available resources to support Ning Meng.
Out of courtesy, Shi Ying suggested Ning Meng invite Lu Jiming, even though he had previously shown no interest in the project, stating that his attendance was entirely his decision. Ning Meng also considered inviting a senior from her university, who was an executive director at BDI, despite her doubts about his interest in such projects. Shi Ying encouraged her to invite him anyway, as it was a good opportunity for networking.
Unbeknownst to Ning Meng, Su Weiran instructed his assistant to reschedule all his meetings for the following afternoon, including an important, pre-arranged meeting with Mr. He, a manager from an insurance agency, citing urgent personal matters as the reason for the cancellation.
