Master of My Own Episode 21 Recap
> Master of My Own Recap
Lu Jiming, Ning Meng, and Han Yimeng diligently searched for the location of a specific painting. They initially sifted through art albums from high school and university, eventually discovering the name "Star Gallery" in one. Upon arriving at the gallery, they were informed that Miss Han's painting had already been sold and that the buyer's information could not be disclosed due to policy.
Han Yimeng urgently explained the importance of contacting the buyer, and the staff agreed to attempt to set up a meeting. Later, they learned that the painting had been purchased by a customer at a restaurant where it was displayed. The restaurant boss initially had no intention of selling it, as its ambiance perfectly complemented the establishment. However, after a lengthy conversation, the persistent customer managed to convince him to sell. The restaurant staff then attempted to contact the buyer.
The three then traveled to Mr. Liu's secluded courtyard home, where he confirmed he had the painting and was willing to help them by providing testimony if needed. He led them to his daughter Keke's room, where the painting was displayed. Mr. Liu revealed that his daughter, Keke, had chosen the painting. He shared a poignant story: Keke's mother had passed away in a car accident when Keke was two, leaving the child inconsolable.
However, the moment Keke saw Han Yimeng's painting in the restaurant, she immediately stopped crying. Mr. Liu explained that for his family, the painting carried a special meaning, having helped him and Keke through a very difficult period and giving them much courage. He expressed hope that this courage could also help Han Yimeng overcome her own difficulties and get back on her feet.
Keke then affectionately presented Ning Meng with a lemon flower and playfully gave Lu Jiming a "bitter melon flower" for his serious expression. Seeing that it was getting late and heavy thunderstorms were forecast for the mountain area, Mr. Liu invited them to stay the night, noting how much Keke enjoyed their company. Keke personally pleaded with Ning Meng to stay and play with her. Han Yimeng also informed You Qi that she would not be returning home that night.
Later that evening, Han Yimeng expressed her deep gratitude to Ning Meng. Ning Meng reciprocated, telling Han Yimeng that her painting conveyed warmth and strength. Han Yimeng confessed that she hadn't touched a paintbrush for a long time before returning to the country, struggling to find her creative inspiration. However, this recent event had greatly encouraged her, reigniting a strong desire to paint. They encouraged each other, wishing each other success in their respective fields.
Lu Jiming, having overheard their conversation, made a sarcastic remark about Ning Meng's comforting abilities, then announced his intention to leave. Ning Meng knew his playful annoyance was just his usual arrogant demeanor and turned to depart. However, Lu Jiming called her back and sincerely thanked her, acknowledging her crucial role in helping Han Yimeng. The next morning, Keke bid them farewell, asking Ning Meng to visit frequently, a request Ning Meng happily promised to fulfill.
Just as they were preparing to leave, Su Weiran arrived. He explained that he had been unable to reach Ning Meng by phone and had learned her location from You Qi. He was worried, having heard about the heavy rain and landslides that occurred in Northern Zhejiang's Mount Mogan over the past two days. Lu Jiming curtly informed Su Weiran that the matter was resolved and they were leaving.
Ning Meng, after a moment of hesitation, chose to ride with Su Weiran, leaving Lu Jiming visibly disheartened. Han Yimeng then prompted Lu Jiming to depart with her. During the drive back, Su Weiran expressed his concern for Ning Meng's habit of apologizing and offered her food he had brought. He reiterated his worry about her being on the mountain during the recent storms.
To keep her awake on the long journey, he told her a joke about a pink shovel. Meanwhile, in Lu Jiming’s car, Han Yimeng inquired why he hadn't kept Ning Meng at his company. Lu Jiming dismissed the question, though he later subtly commented that Ning Meng "has bad taste," implying her choice to ride with Su Weiran. Han Yimeng then directly asked if he disapproved of Ning Meng being with Su Weiran, to which he feigned indifference.
Later that night, Lu Jiming confided in Zeng Yuhang about Han Yimeng’s proposition to try a relationship. Despite having waited over a decade for her to say those words, he found himself not feeling the joy he had anticipated. Zeng Yuhang, observing Lu Jiming's troubled state, offered a "rapid fire" quiz to help him clarify his feelings, presenting choices like "Ning Meng or Meng Jie?"
Lu Jiming hesitated, initially attempting to deflect with a vague answer, but his obvious struggle and Zeng Yuhang's probing confirmed his underlying feelings for Ning Meng. Zeng Yuhang urged him to be honest with Han Yimeng, suggesting that his feelings for her might be more akin to familial affection or a sense of obligation rather than romantic love.
He pointed out that Lu Jiming was visibly unhappy and advised him against acting as a "grateful child" who repays a deed, emphasizing that true happiness comes from acknowledging one's genuine feelings. Unable to resolve his turmoil, Lu Jiming suggested they go for a drink instead of continuing to spar.
That night, Han Yimeng became increasingly worried when Lu Jiming didn't return home and called Zeng Yuhang, who confirmed he had seen Lu Jiming leave with a designated driver but couldn't confirm his current whereabouts. Han Yimeng eventually found a heavily intoxicated Lu Jiming asleep outside his apartment door. When she asked if he was feeling unwell, he murmured that he didn't want to make her sad, leaving Han Yimeng surprised and then wistful.
The collaboration between Mobi and Han Yimeng's art line was a success, with Han Yimeng approving the co-branded treadmills. Lu Jiming placed an initial order of thirty units to be gifted to company clients, acknowledging Ning Meng as Mobi's greatest contributor, praising her work from pre-investment to post-management. Su Weiran invited them to dinner to celebrate, but Lu Jiming and Han Yimeng already had plans. Later, Su Weiran invited Ning Meng to visit their alma mater together.
He mentioned he would be giving a recruitment talk there that Sunday morning and suggested they could explore the campus afterward. Ning Meng, who hadn't been back since graduation, happily agreed. On their visit to the campus, Ning Meng watched Su Weiran playing basketball. She cheered as he scored a point, praising his skills.
They sat down and reminisced about their university days, including Su Weiran's past as the school's MVP and his game-winning shot in an intercollegiate championship, a moment Ning Meng recalled vividly despite the unfair refereeing. A familiar song, "The Brightest Star in the Sky," played over the campus broadcast. Su Weiran noted it was on a CD Ning Meng had given him, and they both admitted it was their favorite song from the album.
Su Weiran also brought up an old memory of Ning Meng and her senior meeting him on his birthday, where she gave him a gift. Ning Meng then suggested they walk around their old classrooms. They found their former classroom, and Ning Meng asked Su Weiran why he had been so certain she hadn't cheated on an exam years ago.
He explained that her paper contained correct answers, including an additional question he and their professor had set, making it clear she possessed the knowledge to pass without cheating. The experience made them feel as if they were students again. The next day, Lu Jiming and Han Yimeng went to their childhood skating rink. They noticed how much it had changed but were delighted to see their old coach still there, though he had aged significantly.
Han Yimeng recalled a time when the coach had made Lu Jiming cry, and afterward, he had only wanted her to teach him. She thanked Lu Jiming for accompanying her recently and for his past companionship. Han Yimeng then gently told him that she sensed he hadn't been truly happy lately, often prioritizing her emotions.
She expressed that she didn't want him to suppress his feelings, emphasizing that a relationship should be mutual, not a one-sided sacrifice that could only last for so long. She confessed that she had always seen him as a younger brother. While she had been surprised and "a little touched" by his confession in high school, the timing wasn't right as she was about to study abroad.
She later learned from Zeng Yuhang that Lu Jiming had been waiting for her all these years, which made her consider if they could make up for their past missed opportunity. However, she now understood that some things, once missed, cannot be recaptured, as they had both grown and changed. She told Lu Jiming that he was avoiding admitting his own transformation, fearing it would be a betrayal to himself.
Yet, she stressed that facing one's true feelings is a sign of integrity and making a genuine choice is the only way to avoid regret. Lu Jiming thanked her, and they both agreed it was time to move forward.
