Master of My Own Episode 24 Recap
> Master of My Own Recap
Su Weiran arrived at the hospital to pick up Ning Meng, where he found her speaking with Lu Jiming. Ning Meng apologized to Lu Jiming for his injury, regretting her late arrival, and Su Weiran, on her behalf, thanked Lu Jiming for his help. Su Weiran then sarcastically commented on Lu Jiming's attentiveness to a former employee, calling him "such a good boss" and noting how "rare" it was.
Lu Jiming dismissed it as nothing significant, calling it a small favor. Su Weiran added that Ning Meng seemed frightened and then decided to take her back to rest. In the car, Su Weiran admonished Ning Meng for going to such a dangerous place without informing him immediately. He interrogated her about Lu Jiming's sudden appearance, accusing her of deliberately creating "a chance to pursue" her. Ning Meng denied this, explaining that their encounters were infrequent and strictly work-related.
Su Weiran dismissed her explanations, claiming to understand the pervasive tactics of "rich kids" and suggesting Ning Meng was too naive. When Ning Meng defended Lu Jiming, Su Weiran became agitated, questioning her trust in him as well as his own, before losing control and violently punching the steering wheel, shocking Ning Meng. He exited the car to compose himself.
Upon returning, he apologized, explaining that a past betrayal had made him "very afraid" and "very sensitive," causing him to lash out from fear of losing her. Ning Meng expressed understanding but urged him not to let his past experiences cast a shadow over their current relationship, assuring him she would never betray him. Su Weiran acknowledged his mistake and promised to control his impulses.
Separately, Tang Zhengwang called Ning Meng, informing her he intended to increase his investment ratio and provide additional funds. Ning Meng, aware that his company, Qilin, was already operating at its maximum investment capacity while expanding its manufacturing line, questioned the sudden availability of extra funds. She directly asked if the money was from Lu Jiming. Tang Zhengwang vehemently denied it but, looking towards Lu Jiming who was nearby, told Ning Meng to thank him on his behalf.
Lu Jiming, overhearing this, told Tang Zhengwang there was no need. Understanding the situation, Ning Meng politely declined the direct financial assistance, stating she would resolve Ms. Liu's project issues herself. Later, Lu Jiming called Ning Meng. He acknowledged her stubborn independence in declining help but clarified that his call was to "motivate" her. He reminded her of her past success in transitioning to the project department despite his initial doubts, encouraging her to continue believing in herself.
Ning Meng resonated with his advice, likening her current challenge to making "delicious chicken soup" – she needed to demonstrate her capabilities for others to invest by letting them taste it first. Lu Jiming praised her insight, and they concluded the call on friendly terms. Meanwhile, Ning Meng visited Ms. Liu, the owner of Lehui, who was contemplating delaying her project.
Ms. Liu felt unprepared for entrepreneurship despite having gathered the penalty funds for breaching a contract, echoing her ex-husband's criticisms. Ning Meng shared her own journey, having been told she was unsuited for investment but ultimately succeeding through perseverance. She encouraged Ms. Liu to "bravely try" and proposed an alternative strategy: instead of focusing on immediate manufacturing, they should leverage the existing funds for marketing and promotion.
This involved distributing some of the Donlim Pots as free samples to build a strong reputation first, which would then attract investors for larger-scale production. Ning Meng mentioned she had already discussed this with Mr. Liang and Mr. Tang. Inspired by Ning Meng's conviction and detailed plan, Ms. Liu decided to make one last attempt. Ning Meng and Ms. Liu then met with Mr. Lin from Mobi to propose a cross-industry collaboration.
Mr. Lin initially questioned the high promotion costs of bundling a Donlim Pot with a fitness machine. Ms. Liu explained it was a "last-ditch attempt" to build reputation and visibility rather than seek immediate profits, trusting that a good product would eventually attract new investments. Mr. Lin then asked Ning Meng about her innovative idea to combine such seemingly disparate products.
Ning Meng articulated that both products shared a common philosophy of fostering social connection and shared happiness, thus targeting overlapping consumer bases. She further detailed Lehui's comprehensive marketing strategy, including collaborations with food apps for "Donlim Pot Recipe," sharing platforms for lucky draws, and popular live broadcasts, impressing both Ms. Liu and Mr. Lin. The collaboration proved highly successful, significantly boosting the reputation and sales of both Mobi and Lehui, and attracting new investors.
Ms. Liu publicly hailed Ning Meng as the "biggest contributor" to Lehui's revival, deeply moved by her unwavering support and declaring that Ning Meng made her feel she was "no longer fighting alone." To celebrate Lehui's triumph, Su Weiran invited Ning Meng to dinner, expressing his renewed admiration for her accomplishments. During their meal, Su Weiran suggested that Ning Meng, with her impressive capabilities, should consider a larger platform than Eaglestone Capital, which he described as an "average" company.
While Ning Meng briefly left to use the restroom, Su Weiran secretly checked her phone and observed recent text message exchanges between her and Lu Jiming. Ning Meng appeared to notice a subtle change in his demeanor upon her return, though she did not comment on it. Later, Lu Jiming attended a social gathering where he was playing poker. His consistent wins were noted by other players. Soon, Su Weiran arrived, and an immediate tension filled the room.
The two men exchanged formal greetings before joining the game. As the poker game progressed, Su Weiran played with aggressive precision, quickly forcing other players to fold. The remaining participants observed the intense atmosphere between Lu Jiming and Su Weiran, remarking that they seemed to harbor a "grudge," playing with an "obsessed" intensity as if determined to "settle this within a game" by going "all-in" early. Both Lu Jiming and Su Weiran vocalized their shared disdain for "dragging things out."
Despite most onlookers believing Su Weiran was guaranteed a win with three aces, Lu Jiming chose to stay in. In a surprising turn, Lu Jiming revealed a straight, securing a dramatic comeback victory against Su Weiran's seemingly superior hand. Defeated and visibly frustrated, Su Weiran admitted his play became "too emotional" and abruptly left the game. Lu Jiming also departed shortly after his win.
Upon returning to his company, Lu Jiming found his colleagues discussing a major equity shift involving Shuangxun Capital and Qinhe. They speculated that what appeared to be a capital war was, in reality, a power struggle between Lu Tianxing, Lu Jiming's father, and Lu Guoyu for corporate control and influence. They hypothesized that Shuangxun Capital was a "mercenary" hired by Lu Tianxing to regain shareholder rights, indicating Lu Tianxing's faction held the advantage.
Lu Jiming then went home to speak with his father, Lu Tianxing, about Shuangxun's increased stakes. He expressed concern that the rapid accumulation of shares might lead his father to be "taken advantage of." Lu Tianxing, upholding his business philosophy of trust, acknowledged that his previous choice, Lu Guoyu, had drastically changed, constantly interfering with Qinhe's operations and opposing him on critical decisions, particularly a rushed and problematic sewage treatment project.
Lu Jiming suggested his father try to engage Lu Guoyu in a more amicable discussion to avoid mutual destruction, even questioning if his father's attitude might be too strong. However, Lu Tianxing became defensive, accusing his son of "teaching him how to do things" and questioning his understanding of Qinhe. The conversation escalated, prompting an older woman, a family member, to intervene and encourage them to eat and calm down.
Despite her efforts, Lu Tianxing remained agitated and left the table. Later, Ning Meng also discussed the ongoing news with a colleague, admitting her limited understanding of the secondary market and the potential progression of the situation. Separately, He Yueluan called Ning Meng, requesting her to pick up You Qi, who was "causing trouble" during an important client discussion. Ning Meng immediately headed to his location. Upon arrival, she found You Qi vehemently confronting He Yueluan, demanding he return home.
He Yueluan dismissed her, claiming he was working. You Qi pointed to a provocatively dressed woman, accusing her of being a "hostess" rather than a colleague and noting she "even sat on his lap" and "drank with him so much that it spilled on her." The woman attempted to explain that He Yueluan's wine had spilled on her, but You Qi ignored her.
As the argument intensified, He Yueluan shouted at You Qi, demanding she stop being "unreasonable" and leave, embarrassed by the public scene. Ning Meng attempted to mediate, but You Qi remained furious. Ning Meng decided to take You Qi away, sternly telling He Yueluan to "behave himself." As they departed, Ning Meng glanced back at the scene with a shocked expression, having seemingly witnessed something further.
