Master of My Own Episode 6 Recap
> Master of My Own Recap
Late at night, with his office being the only one still lit at Joint Capital, Lu Jiming finished his work and was drawn to Ning Meng's empty desk. He noticed a lemon ornament, a gift from a partner, which triggered fond memories of their time working together, bringing a smile to his face. His reverie was broken by Xiaoyang.
Lu Jiming stopped her and, to her surprise, instructed her to find him a new secretary, specifying he wanted someone "just like the previous one," which left Xiaoyang confused about whether he wanted someone like Ning Meng or not. The next morning, Ning Meng instinctively prepared for work before remembering she had resigned. Her former director, Mr. Liu, called to inform her that her resignation paperwork was ready and offered to courier the documents requiring her signature, which she accepted.
Back at Joint Capital, Lu Jiming impatiently urged his team to accelerate the screening process for a new secretary. In a separate conversation with Mr. Liu, Lu Jiming authorized the bonus payment for Ning Meng, recognizing her as an outstanding employee for three consecutive years and stating that Joint Capital does not owe anyone anything. Ning Meng’s job search proved difficult, as every interview led to questions about her departure from Joint Capital.
Despite her willingness to start as an intern, no company would hire her. Meanwhile, at the office, a frustrated Lu Jiming rejected both tea and coffee from a nervous Xiaoyang, demanding "that" specific drink. A confused Xiaoyang called Ning Meng, who immediately identified it as the seaweed-flavored soda in the fridge and reminded her to restock it.
Xiaoyang then vented to Ning Meng about Lu Jiming's increasingly controlling and erratic behavior since her departure, revealing he had even called her by Ning Meng's name and was treating her like a "convenient mother." During this period, Mr. Ren from Investment Department I reported to Lu Jiming, who noticed Ning Meng’s name on the report for the Locke Portable Kettle project.
Mr. Ren explained that after Investment Department II, under Mr. Qiu, had rejected the project, Ning Meng believed in its potential, worked extensively to improve it, and then brought the revised proposal to his department. Suspicious, Lu Jiming tasked Zeng Yuhang with investigating a "cunning person" in the company, hinting at kickbacks. Zeng Yuhang accepted, noting Lu's foul mood was reminiscent of when Ning Meng had first left.
Despite her interview struggles, Ning Meng reconnected with her university classmate, Wang Yao, now in HR at Prosperity Capital. Wang Yao arranged a direct interview for an investment role with the department director. Ning Meng impressed the director by highlighting her unique strength as an "ordinary" person who understands mass-market consumers, and by demonstrating integrity when she declined to share her first project proposal (the Locke project) due to its confidential nature. Wang Yao later confirmed she got the job.
Their celebration was cut short when they encountered Lu Jiming. He confronted Ning Meng, mockingly calling her a "sour orange" and predicting she would fail and come back to him. Ning Meng sharply retorted with a proverb about how soil affects the fruit, implying her environment had made her seem "sour," and firmly rejected his offer of a ride.
However, Wang Yao soon called back to apologize, explaining that the company had rescinded the offer due to an issue found during her background check. Ning Meng immediately suspected Lu Jiming's interference. Furious, she went drinking with Xiaoyang and vented her frustration. While Xiaoyang doubted Lu Jiming would resort to covert tactics, Ning Meng was convinced he was retaliating. During their conversation, Lu Jiming called.
Fueled by alcohol, Ning Meng berated him, accusing him of sabotaging her career after three years of dedicated service. When he feigned ignorance, she declared that anything that doesn't kill her makes her stronger and vowed that one day she would make him address her as "Ms. Ning," before promptly blocking his number. Later, an upset Xu Sitian arrived at Lu Jiming’s office after her RV Park project was halted, accusing him of being swayed by Ning Meng’s negative assessment.
Already irritable, Lu Jiming harshly dismissed her as a "flower vase" and a "pretty face" who should stay out of business. A hurt and tearful Xu Sitian confided in Zeng Yuhang, who comforted her and encouraged her to learn from Ning Meng's resilience. Back home, Ning Meng received a supportive call from her father, who had learned of her job-hunting struggles from her mother.
He encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming an investor, reassuring her of her talent and telling her she could always come home. Though comforted, she broke down in tears after the call. Meanwhile, Zeng Yuhang reported his findings to Lu Jiming, who then summoned Qiu Junlin.
Lu Jiming first confronted Qiu about financial misconduct, including taking a smaller share (8% instead of the usual 10%) on a recent project to accommodate his own private venture capital firm and using his friends' factories for projects. He then fired him. When Qiu protested, Lu Jiming revealed his true rage: Qiu had stolen the Locke Portable Kettle project from Ning Meng and submitted her proposal "without changing a word."
Qiu audaciously claimed he had done Lu Jiming a favor by helping "get rid of" Ning Meng, who he assumed Lu disliked. Enraged by this slander and plagiarism, Lu Jiming threatened to turn Qiu’s own dirty tricks back on him.
