Master of My Own Episode 2 Recap
> Master of My Own Recap
Three years ago, Ning Meng, a recent finance graduate, confidently shared her aspirations for the investment field during an interview at Joint Capital. She expressed her belief that money, when used to its maximum value in worthy places, is noble and inspiring. Coincidentally, Lu Jiming, the CEO, urgently needed a translator who had passed the TEM-8 English exam.
Ning Meng’s qualifications and quick thinking during a sudden translation task made her the ideal candidate, leading her to unexpectedly become his secretary. At that time, Director Liu promised Ning Meng that she would be transferred to the Project Department once a suitable replacement secretary was found, assuring her the role was temporary for a maximum of three years. However, despite her repeated inquiries, Mr. Liu consistently sidestepped the issue.
Ning Meng awoke from a nightmare, her mind troubled by her stagnant career. Arriving at the office, she was dismayed to learn that her secretarial contract was up for renewal for another three years. Mr. Liu, urging her to sign immediately, highlighted the unprecedented benefits, including a two-grade salary increase and a ten-day annual leave, implying that Lu Jiming had personally requested these generous terms.
Ning Meng, however, firmly reiterated her long-standing desire to join the Project Department, reminding Mr. Liu of his three-year-old promise. She rejected another "temporary" three-year term, but Mr. Liu, citing Lu Jiming’s unpredictable temper, suggested she take the contract home to consider. Later, a colleague confirmed that the ten-day leave was contingent on Lu Jiming not needing her, making it practically impossible to take. Determined, Ning Meng resolved to speak with Lu Jiming directly.
As Ning Meng pondered her next move, Xu Sitian, a socialite and Lu Jiming’s classmate, arrived at Joint Capital. She was there to introduce Shi Ying from Eaglestone Capital, an accomplished investor who had built her own company in just a few years, to discuss a potential collaboration. Ning Meng, a great admirer of Shi Ying’s progressive investment concepts, including her "industrial mindset," was thrilled at the chance to meet her idol.
When Shi Ying arrived, Lu Jiming intended for his project directors, Ren Pengfei and Qiu Junlin, to present the company’s ventures, but both were unavailable. Ning Meng stepped forward and volunteered to present the projects herself. Despite Xu Sitian’s skepticism about a secretary handling a project briefing, Ning Meng showcased a deep understanding of every project’s progress and details, surprising everyone.
She articulately introduced "Qilin's Home," an eco-friendly home concept, highlighting its sustainable wood sourcing, low-carbon production, and preservation of wood texture. She explained that Joint Capital was the lead investor for its Series A financing and was now helping it pursue Series B funding. Shi Ying was highly impressed, praising Ning Meng’s professional and detailed presentation, and noting her clear thinking and meticulous logic.
She suggested Lu Jiming should train Ning Meng for project work, but he dismissed the idea, stating that Ning Meng was "not on the same path as money" and the company had plenty of other talent. After Shi Ying departed, a visibly annoyed Lu Jiming confronted Ning Meng. She seized the opportunity to again bring up her transfer request, but Lu Jiming brusquely rejected her ambition as a "foolish daydream."
He asserted that her ability to present a project was entirely different from actually managing one. After sharply reprimanding an absent director for making the company look like a "joke" by having a secretary step in, he turned back to Ning Meng, instructing her to abandon her "investment dream" and focus on her secretarial duties. Later that day, a light drizzle mirrored Ning Meng's disheartened mood. She sought solace in an izakaya, ordering a lemon cocktail.
Her brief respite was interrupted by a call from Lu Jiming’s friend, informing her that Lu Jiming was heavily intoxicated at a bar and demanding his secretary pick him up. The friend hung up before Ning Meng could refuse, leaving her no choice but to go. On the drive home, a drunken Lu Jiming was a far cry from his usual stern self, singing off-key and revealing he had been pressured into drinking by the Yunshang Capital team.
However, his condescending nature remained, as he told Ning Meng she should feel honored by the trust he placed in her. Exasperated by his arrogance, Ning Meng deliberately slammed on the accelerator, startling him. Upon returning to Lu Jiming’s residence, Ning Meng, despite her exhaustion and silent grievances, took care of him as usual before heading home. There, thoughtful voice messages from her parents about her well-being brought tears to her eyes.
Her thoughts drifted back to the autumn of 2000, when her father, a determined entrepreneur, showed her his innovative rechargeable battery and first explained the concept of an "investor." A few months later, her father’s project failed to secure funding after he had invested all their savings.
Witnessing her mother, despite her anger, ultimately agree to sell their house to support her father and cover the debts, young Ning Meng made a silent vow: to one day become an investor herself, to ensure that passionate entrepreneurs like her father would never have their dreams destroyed. The next morning, Ning Meng confronted Lu Jiming one last time. As expected, he remained steadfast in his refusal, giving her a stark ultimatum: remain his secretary or leave the company.
With tears in her eyes but her resolve firm, Ning Meng handed him her letter of resignation and walked out. She hurried to pack her belongings, her frustration palpable. Just then, Lu Jiming’s friend Zeng Yuhang arrived with a gift of crabs and was met with a shower of shredded paper flying from Lu Jiming's office. Moments later, a furious Lu Jiming stormed out, screaming at Ning Meng to "get lost" as a bewildered Zeng Yuhang looked on at the chaotic scene.
