Double Love Episode 22 Recap
> Double Love Recap
While playing an online game, Lu Guanghan noticed a friend, Gu Qiaobei, was spending more time online, prompting her to ask if he had stopped working. Gu Qiaobei explained he had rejected several projects to re-evaluate his situation. He confessed that he had made a significant career decision but was unsure if it was the right one.
He felt a deep sense of gratitude towards his boss, who had supported him since the start of his career, yet he now felt unable to meet their expectations. Gu Qiaobei admitted he didn't want to meet those expectations anymore, expressing a desire to step out of his comfort zone and pursue something truly meaningful, even if it didn't lead to great achievements. He worried about the public scrutiny his job entailed and the potential embarrassment of failure.
Lu Guanghan, recognizing Gu Qiaobei's serious demeanor both in-game and in real life, promised him full support for his decision, although Gu Qiaobei remained unaware that his in-game friend was "Lu's Top Star." Meanwhile, during a Go game, Lu Wanwan grew anxious watching Han Jingmo struggle against her father, Lu. She quickly sent Susu to distract her father, then urgently sought help from her brother, Lu Guanghan, a Go master trained by their father.
Lu Wanwan pleaded with him, calling him the "Omnipotent Top Star of Lu," and promised to wash his socks for two months if he could solve the puzzle. Lu Guanghan quickly provided a solution. Han Jingmo, although Lu Guanghan provided the solution, did not fully follow his advice, preferring to play his own way. He later admitted to Lu Wanwan's father that he only had a superficial understanding of Go and couldn't solve the puzzle himself.
He expressed his sincere dedication to Lu Wanwan and to learning Go, promising to frequently seek guidance from her father, hoping to one day become a recognized opponent. Lu's father, while stern, accepted Han Jingmo's sincerity, warning him of the consequences if he ever mistreated Lu Wanwan, thus confirming him as a future son-in-law. Later, Han Jingmo informed Lu Guanghan that Gu Qiaobei was considering a career change.
Remembering Gu Qiaobei's earlier desire to break free from his comfort zone, Lu Guanghan went to visit him. Gu Qiaobei greeted her, celebrating his decision to terminate his contract and embark on a new life. He confessed that he had never enjoyed acting and was touched that Lu Guanghan, unlike what he expected, didn't try to persuade him to stay in the industry.
Instead, Lu Guanghan wholeheartedly supported his choice, encouraging him to embrace the challenge and "do whatever he wanted while he was still young," so he wouldn't regret it later. Gu Qiaobei admitted the difficulty of giving up his star status but Lu Guanghan reassured him, promising silent support for whatever future endeavors he chose. Gu Qiaobei then excitedly offered Lu Guanghan his newly made Mapo Tofu.
However, just as he was about to try it, Lu Guanghan received a call from a food delivery person and quickly excused herself, subtly implying her apprehension about tasting the dish. In another instance, Lin Wei accompanied Zhao Jinghang on an outing. Despite Zhao Jinghang's initial solemn mood, Lin Wei encouraged him to enjoy himself.
They spent the day shopping and dancing, and Zhao Jinghang expressed his genuine gratitude to Lin Wei for helping him relax and for the enjoyable time. Back at the agency, Lin Wei informed Lu Wanwan that the game Moonlight Blade wanted her to be their female spokesperson alongside Han Jingmo. Lu Wanwan, surprised, learned that her endorsement fee was significantly lower than Han Jingmo's, which Lin Wei explained was a cost-saving measure due to her rookie status.
Lin Wei further clarified that the company intended to capitalize on Lu Wanwan and Han Jingmo's recently publicized relationship, solidifying their image as a "screen couple" to boost both their popularity. Despite Lu Wanwan's initial protest about not having a say as an artist, Lin Wei insisted it was a carefully chosen first endorsement for her and urged her to take it seriously, adding that the shooting would begin in a week.
Upon seeing her beautiful in-game character model, Lu Wanwan marveled that it was like a fantasy becoming reality. During the photoshoot for Moonlight Blade, Lu Wanwan, dressed in her character's beautiful in-game attire, was rehearsing a scene that required her to portray a mix of righteousness and fear. However, during the take, she suddenly got a nosebleed, causing a halt in production.
She apologized, explaining to Han Jingmo that it was her first time filming such a scene with so many people watching, making her incredibly nervous and stressed. Han Jingmo reminded her that as a professional actress, she needed to quickly get into character regardless of the situation and not let a small psychological barrier defeat her, especially since future scenes might be even more challenging. He then advised her to relax and focus on his eyes during the next take.
Reassured, Lu Wanwan, with newfound confidence, told him not to worry, emphasizing her strong psychological resilience. Later, online comments criticized Lu Wanwan, accusing her of using Han Jingmo for fame. Lu Wanwan dismissed the negative comments, viewing them as a sign of their continued popularity. Lu Guanghan, unable to reach Han Jingmo himself, tasked Lu Wanwan with finding out what was happening, as he couldn't keep the negative news suppressed for long.
Lin Wei then revealed to Lu Wanwan that Han Jingmo had been photographed meeting Jiang Mingshu, a renowned three-time Best Actress, at a private club. Lin Wei highlighted the significant age gap and questioned why Jiang Mingshu had proactively suppressed the news if there was nothing illicit between them. Determined to uncover the truth, Lu Wanwan went to Han Jingmo's residence, bringing him food out of concern.
She found him watching one of Jiang Mingshu's movies and discovered a collection of her films. Suspecting Han Jingmo had a romantic interest in Jiang Mingshu, Lu Wanwan questioned him. Han Jingmo denied it, explaining he was preparing for an upcoming project where Jiang Mingshu would be a guest star with whom he had scenes, necessitating an understanding of her acting style.
Though Lu Wanwan wanted to inquire about the private club photo, she ultimately held back, leaving abruptly and rejecting his offer to drive her home. Han Jingmo had initially been reluctant to accept a role opposite Jiang Mingshu, even asking Lin Wei if he could withdraw from the project. However, Lin Wei pressed him, citing her own principle of acting which was closely tied to Jiang Mingshu. Later, Jiang Mingshu called Han Jingmo, arranging a private meeting.
During their encounter, she acknowledged their long estrangement and expressed a desire to mend their relationship, emphasizing that despite everything, they were still mother and son, not enemies. She apologized for her past mistakes, explaining that as a young, inexperienced mother twenty years ago, she didn't understand responsibility. She also expressed concern about potential awkwardness on set, which was why she wanted to meet beforehand. She made it clear that their shared history was a secret she wished to keep.
Han Jingmo, although respectful of her wishes, asked how he should address her on set, to which she replied either "Senior" or "Best Actress" was fine. During their conversation, Jiang Mingshu answered a call from a child, speaking in a gentle, affectionate tone, presenting herself as a loving mother. Moments after Jiang Mingshu's call ended, Lu Wanwan appeared, having been informed by Lin Wei that Han Jingmo was there. She affectionately clung to him, prompting him to confide in her.
Han Jingmo revealed that Jiang Mingshu was his biological mother, who had given birth to him but never truly acknowledged him. He recounted their last meeting five years prior, where she had apologized for her past actions but firmly stated that she was now living a happy life with a new family, who knew nothing of him. She had asked him never to contact her again, fearing he would disrupt her life.
Han Jingmo explained that his father had an affair while Jiang Mingshu was pregnant with him, leading to her divorce after his birth. She then remarried and started a new family, including another son, and didn't want him to interfere with her newfound happiness. Lu Wanwan expressed her sympathy, questioning why Jiang Mingshu had treated him so cruelly. However, Han Jingmo recoiled from her pitying gaze.
Understanding his discomfort, Lu Wanwan quickly shifted her expression, turning to him with a radiant smile. She playfully asserted that with her, he would have a perfect life, not one that was "over," but truly complete, before playfully walking away. Amused and touched by her earnest attempts to cheer him up, Han Jingmo followed her. Later, Lu Wanwan approached Lin Wei, asking for Jiang Mingshu's contact information.
She claimed she wanted to discuss acting with the acclaimed actress and get an autograph, mentioning that her father was also a fan. When Lin Wei suggested she could meet Jiang Mingshu on set in a few days, Lu Wanwan insisted she needed the contact immediately. Just then, Han Jingmo appeared, grabbing her and sternly demanding she come with him, clearly having overheard her request.
