Master of My Own Episode 26 Recap
> Master of My Own Recap
Ning Meng told Su Weiran that she had met her senior sister, who expressed deep remorse towards him for past events. Su Weiran claimed he bore no ill will, adding that humans are inherently driven by desire, making it difficult to uphold one's integrity amidst numerous societal temptations. He expressed gratitude for Ning Meng, asserting his belief that she would never disappoint him.
The following day, Lu Jiming approached Ning Meng, asking her to follow up with He Yueluan regarding the Qinhe agreement, as he felt hesitant to rush him further. Lu Jiming voiced concerns about Shuangxun Group's potential moves and Renning Insurance's slow procedures, even suggesting that Qinhe might have to suspend trading as a last resort.
Ning Meng immediately called He Yueluan in front of Lu Jiming, and He Yueluan assured them the headquarters had completed the process and the documents were being sent back, promising finalization within a day or two. He also pledged to handle it urgently once the written instructions arrived in Shanghai, explaining that the HQ's efficiency was beyond his control. Both Ning Meng and Lu Jiming felt a temporary sense of relief. However, unexpected bad news arrived.
Financial reports revealed Shuangxun Group's hostile takeover of Qinhe, with their stake unexpectedly surging to 22% and then, in conjunction with Renning Insurance, reaching 30%. They had formally launched a tender offer for Qinhe. Ning Meng felt the world crashing down. She desperately tried calling He Yueluan, but his number went unanswered.
She then called Lu Jiming, only to be informed by a nurse at Huadong Hospital that his phone had been left there, and his father, Lu Tianxing, had suffered a heart attack and was undergoing emergency rescue in the ICU. Ning Meng rushed to the hospital, finding Lu Jiming exhausted and silent. She apologized profusely, explaining she never anticipated He Yueluan would mishandle things to such an extent.
Lu Jiming, however, wearily dismissed her apology, indicating he had no emotional capacity to discuss the matter. Madam Liu, a family caretaker, was also at the hospital, informing Ning Meng that Lu Tianxing's surgery would be lengthy due to a large bleeding area. Distraught, Ning Meng called You Qi, her best friend, who confirmed He Yueluan had just returned home but was preparing for an impromptu business trip.
Ning Meng urged You Qi to keep him there, as she urgently needed to confront him. You Qi confronted He Yueluan, accusing him of messing up the favor Ning Meng had asked. When Ning Meng arrived, she demanded an explanation for his betrayal. He Yueluan coldly countered that financial markets are unpredictable, and as a mere Shanghai branch manager with superiors, the decision wasn't solely his. He added that any verbal agreement was void before formal signing.
You Qi fiercely defended Ning Meng, but he dismissed her interference, treating her concerns as if they were "playing house." Ning Meng then realized He Yueluan had deliberately lied and stalled for his own benefit. You Qi, heartbroken, accused him of being obsessed with money. He Yueluan retorted that all her expenses, from branded bags to monthly rent for their house, were paid by him, claiming she had never truly understood or cared for him over the years.
Feeling "too tired," he abruptly ended their long-term relationship. While Lu Tianxing's surgery was successful and he was saved, he remained in critical condition and under observation. Meanwhile, You Qi was inconsolable, unable to reach He Yueluan. She tearfully recounted her distress, revealing that He Yueluan had shown an unusual interest in Qinhe news even before they sought his help. Ning Meng, furious but trying to reassure You Qi, promised to find He Yueluan for answers.
Ning Meng then went to He Yueluan's company, encountering Chen Xiaoyi, a colleague who acknowledged knowing about the breakup and subtly hinted at her own involvement. Ning Meng warned Chen Xiaoyi that a man who could so easily betray a long-term relationship or a solemn business agreement could not be trusted. Later, Ning Meng expressed regret to Su Weiran about confronting He Yueluan so harshly in front of You Qi, fearing she had dragged her innocent friend into the mess.
Su Weiran, however, calmly advised Ning Meng that You Qi and He Yueluan's problems were their own, suggesting that the breakup, though painful, might be a beneficial "cut loss" for You Qi in the long run. Later, Su Weiran accompanied Ning Meng to Huadong Hospital to visit Lu Tianxing. Upon arrival, Su Weiran deliberately introduced himself to Madam Liu and Lu Jiming as "Ning Meng's boyfriend." Lu Jiming, visibly annoyed, walked out of the room.
Outside, Su Weiran approached Lu Jiming, offering to help "take over some projects" if Joint Capital faced "cash flow" issues. Lu Jiming curtly refused, stating he didn't need help, and Su Weiran replied he could ask anytime. Back home, Ning Meng reviewed all recent events, finding herself increasingly confused. Just then, Chen Xiaoyi, He Yueluan's former colleague, called and requested a meeting.
Chen Xiaoyi revealed she had quit Renning Insurance because He Yueluan had "kicked me out" after she tried to question him, telling her their relationship was merely a "casual fling" and threatening her if she exposed him. She disclosed that the real "mistress" and "true enemy" of Ning Meng and You Qi was Quan Ruru, whom Ning Meng had actually seen before.
Chen Xiaoyi reminded Ning Meng that Quan Ruru was present at the karaoke room when You Qi "crashed" it, and also at the Jiangnanchun Restaurant, helping Shuangxun's Mr. Zhao. She confirmed that Shuangxun had been openly acquiring stakes while Renning Insurance provided secret assistance. Chen Xiaoyi also revealed the shocking truth that He Yueluan had bought Quan Ruru an apartment located right next to You Qi's rented place.
She also mentioned that Caihuang Capital's Jin Haiyang was involved in manipulating the stock price. Chen Xiaoyi stated that they had all been deceived by He Yueluan, who was a "scum." Armed with this information, Ning Meng went directly to the apartment Chen Xiaoyi mentioned, finding He Yueluan there with Quan Ruru.
Ning Meng confronted He Yueluan, exposing his deceit, how he had paid 15 million yuan in full for a five-bedroom garden house for Quan Ruru while lying to You Qi about marrying her. As Ning Meng chastised Quan Ruru for her involvement, You Qi suddenly appeared, having tracked He Yueluan's food delivery transactions. Seeing the house, You Qi's composure cracked.
She heartbreakingly reminded He Yueluan of his solemn vows to be devoted to her for life, and how he had sworn he would "suffer from retribution" if he ever changed his heart. She then told him to make sure he received that retribution, then stoically offered to clean up the messy house, despite her inner turmoil. Ning Meng stayed with You Qi, holding her as she quietly cleaned and cried.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Lu Jiming was approached by lawyers representing the bank. They informed him that his overdue loan payment constituted a breach of contract and that if he were sued and listed as a discredited individual, it would severely impact his life and work. Lu Jiming, though understanding his precarious financial situation and acknowledging the default, requested a few more days for cash flow turnover, assuring them he would repay every penny he owed. Madam Liu encouraged Lu Jiming to return to work, knowing the burden of his business responsibilities.
