Miss Crow with Mr. Lizard Episode 26 Recap
> Miss Crow with Mr. Lizard Recap
Jiang Xiaoning received a call from Tang Xu, who had prepared a car full of gifts for her. However, Jiang Xiaoning politely refused to accept them, even returning a shopping card he had given her. Tang Xu then revealed he had recently joined a design company and invited her to be his designer, emphasizing it was his second invitation.
Jiang Xiaoning expressed her satisfaction with her current company and her desire to forge her own path, step by step, like a building needing a solid foundation. Tang Xu tried to sway her by offering her maximum creative freedom, promising to establish the best design studio under Reindeer Group specifically for her once he became CEO.
Despite his appeals, and his insistence that she didn't need to follow "most people's path" because she had him, she politely but firmly declined, prioritizing her upcoming exam and a grounded approach to her career. Tang Xu, though visibly disappointed, simply told her he would always be by her side.
Later, at the Reindeer Group Architectural Scheme Bidding Meeting in Jiangdong City Business North District, Gu Chuan's team, Chuan Design Studio, arrived as one of the key bidders alongside Zhi Mu Group. After Zhi Mu Group presented their architectural scheme, Gu Chuan's team was called in. To their shock, the design displayed on the large screen was strikingly similar to their own.
Xu Cheng Ran and the team were in a panic, recognizing that identical designs were a major taboo and could lead to ridicule. Remaining composed, Gu Chuan handed a backup data disk to Cheng Dong. He had prepared an alternative design based on his university-era work, a design he had shown to Jiang Xiaoning a few days prior.
She had found his early style to be warm, positive, and full of hope, suggesting it was more suitable for the current project. Working tirelessly, Gu Chuan and Jiang Xiaoning had pulled all-nighters for a week to refine this backup plan. Gu Chuan presented this new scheme, highlighting its warm color palette and innovative use of glass to convert cold light into warm light, creating a modern yet inviting aesthetic.
During the presentation, Tang Xu stood up and angrily questioned Gu Chuan's sudden change of plan, implying a violation of rules. However, Director Xu, a member of the judging panel, intervened, affirming that he appreciated and was willing to accept superior designs, even if they were born of "momentary inspiration," and commended Gu Chuan's brilliance.
When journalists later pressed Gu Chuan about the design change and potential plagiarism, he calmly stated that "works with vitality in it can never be plagiarized," emphasizing that everyone's desired life is unique. Following their successful bid, the Chuan Design Studio team celebrated their victory. Cheng Dong credited Gu Chuan and Jiang Xiaoning for their efforts, but Gu Chuan humbly insisted it was a collective team effort, and the backup plan had simply come in handy.
He then gave the ultimate credit to Jiang Xiaoning for her insightful perception of design's warmth and value, leading the team in a toast to her. Jiang Xiaoning was overwhelmed by the unexpected recognition. As they discussed the design leak, Xu Cheng Ran suggested checking the surveillance cameras. Gu Chuan explained that he deliberately limited CCTV coverage to foster a freer work environment and believed the leak came from within.
He expressed a desire for the culprit to confess to him personally, given their years of shared work. Meanwhile, Tang Xu confronted Su Manlin, blaming her for the plan's failure due to her carelessness. Su Manlin, distraught, confessed her regret for ever trusting him and harming Gu Chuan, lamenting her own foolishness. Tang Xu, however, dismissed her self-pity, claiming his own situation was potentially worse.
Jiang Xiaoning later questioned Gu Chuan if he truly didn't care about identifying the internal culprit. Gu Chuan admitted he already knew who it was – Su Manlin. His suspicion began when Su Manlin inexplicably knew about Jiang Xiaoning being trapped on the rooftop during a rainstorm, an event Gu Chuan had never discussed with her.
Surveillance footage confirmed Su Manlin had followed Jiang Xiaoning and Chen Wen Wen into the building that night and was the one who locked Jiang Xiaoning on the rooftop. From then on, Gu Chuan observed Su Manlin closely, noticing her frequent distractions during the design process. His suspicions were confirmed when he caught her stealing their design and handing it over to Tang Xu.
Jiang Xiaoning was deeply saddened by this revelation, recalling how much Su Manlin had helped and taught her since she joined the company, finding it hard to believe her actions. Gu Chuan shared her sentiment, lamenting that after so many years, he didn't want Su Manlin to leave the company with a bad reputation.
Separately, as Xu Cheng Ran waited for Zhao Yan after work, he witnessed her new colleague, Zhou Xiang, presenting her with a design plan and offering to cook for her. Xu Cheng Ran promptly intervened, introducing himself to Zhou Xiang as "Yan Yan's husband," then amending it to "future husband," and possessively dismissing Zhou Xiang's offer by stating that such "tough jobs" should be left to the "future husband."
As they drove away, Xu Cheng Ran playfully questioned if Zhou Xiang's cooking was better, openly displaying his jealousy. Zhao Yan found his childish jealousy endearing, and they engaged in lighthearted banter, teasing each other about her preference for "childish pretty boys" before deciding on hot pot for dinner. Gu Chuan and Jiang Xiaoning later brought Grandma and Aunt back to their old family home.
Grandma was visibly moved, recognizing familiar spots like the window where Gu Chuan's brother, Guang Da, used to study. Aunt expressed sadness over Guang Da's absence, but Gu Chuan gently reminded her they were there to bring joy to Grandma. He then revealed to Grandma that Jiang Xiaoning would personally design and oversee the renovation of the old house, promising to help bring them back to live there once it was finished. Grandma was overjoyed.
Jiang Xiaoning, watching Grandma and Aunt walk in the rejuvenated courtyard, envisioned her future life, a scene that filled her heart with warmth. Aunt later approached Gu Chuan, directly asking if he truly loved Jiang Xiaoning. Gu Chuan affirmed his feelings, leading Aunt to describe Jiang Xiaoning as simple, a little silly, but kind-hearted, and asking Gu Chuan to be tolerant of her inexperience.
Gu Chuan, however, praised Jiang Xiaoning as sensible and hard-working, stating that she was the one who tolerated others, including him. His sincerity finally convinced Aunt. During a power outage at home, Xu Cheng Ran attempted to fix the electric meter but accidentally fell and injured himself. Zhao Yan lovingly applied ointment to his injury.
As they sat by candlelight, Xu Cheng Ran tried to create a romantic atmosphere, but Zhao Yan expressed a deeper fear: that he, having been accustomed to a life of luxury, might eventually tire of her and return to a more extravagant lifestyle. Xu Cheng Ran earnestly reassured her, explaining that he had never lived a pampered life, having moved abroad with his mother as a child and always being self-reliant.
He emphasized that he hadn't relied on his father's money after college and had built his career, in part with Gu Chuan's help, entirely on his own. He promised to prove his sincerity through his actions, affirming that being with her, regardless of their living conditions, was the most fulfilling life for him, which greatly eased Zhao Yan's worries. The design bidding scandal, involving the alleged plagiarism, continued to circulate widely online.
Director Xu summoned Tang Xu, revealing that an expert panel had confirmed the striking similarity between Chuan Design's original plan and Zhi Mu Group's, and that Tang Xu was an investor in the latter. Tang Xu tried to make excuses, claiming he set up the company due to high project volume and was unaware the design could be altered. Director Xu dismissed his excuses, labeling him as "inexperienced" and stating that he had suffered a "humiliating defeat" to Gu Chuan.
While acknowledging the competitive nature of business, Director Xu found Tang Xu's loss unacceptable. Tang Xu apologized and desperately pleaded for another chance. Director Xu, however, told him to leave. Shortly after, Assistant Liu delivered a formal job transfer notice: the board had rejected Tang Xu's appointment as CEO, and Director Xu had reassigned him to a department manager position within the Administration Department. Tang Xu signed the document, his face a mask of fury and bitter disappointment.
Finally, Gu Chuan called Su Manlin to the studio, revealing he had been waiting for her to come clean about her actions. Su Manlin initially feigned ignorance, prompting Gu Chuan to confront her directly. He spoke of his past trust in her abilities and character, only to realize he truly didn't know her.
He detailed her calculated actions: deliberately locking Jiang Xiaoning on the rooftop, causing her significant trauma, and then stealing his design to give to Tang Xu, which nearly ruined Chuan Design Studio. Gu Chuan explained that he had considered giving her another chance if she had confessed, but her continued denial had exhausted his patience.
Su Manlin finally broke down in tears, apologizing and confessing her deep-seated resentment and unrequited feelings for Gu Chuan, explaining that she had been "not resigned" after six years of devotion, while everything seemed to come so effortlessly to Jiang Xiaoning. Gu Chuan, unmoved by her excuses, firmly stated he was not obligated to answer her questions, ordered her to pack her belongings immediately, and declared that they would "never see each other again."
