Mr. Honesty Episode 8 Recap
> Mr. Honesty Recap
Fang Zhiyou asks Xu Yiren why she referred to him as Thanos. She explains that they both embody the qualities of being outstanding yet lonely, labeling them "handsome, strong, and tragic." Fang Zhiyou subtly questions her judgment before asking her to accompany him to a meeting. To avoid potential office gossip, Xu Yiren feigns illness, claiming a low-grade fever. Despite her obvious pretense, Fang Zhiyou gently drapes a scarf around her neck and advises her to go home and rest.
Xia Di excitedly informs Xu Yiren that her new comic strip is a massive success. She invites Xu Yiren to celebrate, but Xu Yiren declines, admitting she fabricated her illness to avoid being seen with Fang Zhiyou. She confesses feeling immense guilt whenever she lies to him, especially since he consistently sees through her deceptions. Meanwhile, Fang Zhiyou, accompanied by Gu Bo, expresses dissatisfaction with Chengxi Modeling after a meeting.
He tasks Gu Bo with researching the top ten modeling companies in the city. When Gu Bo asks about Xu Yiren's absence, Fang Zhiyou explains she is sick. Unable to celebrate with Xu Yiren, Xia Di invites Gu Bo to a lavish celebratory meal instead. She insists on paying for everything and even buys him a new, brightly colored outfit, despite his reservations about the pink color.
Feeling uneasy about misleading her, Gu Bo privately resolves to find an opportune moment to reveal his true financial circumstances to Xia Di. Gu Bo later informs Fang Zhiyou about rampant company rumors that falsely portray Xu Yiren as a conniving opportunist who seduced him, caused a quarrel between him and He Yuwen, and was even given a "love house" by him.
Alarmed by the vicious slander, Fang Zhiyou visits Xu Yiren's apartment, bringing an assortment of medicines because he was unsure of her specific ailment. Xu Yiren confesses that she faked her illness, admitting she felt overwhelmed by the office gossip and uncomfortable being seen with him. In response, Xu Yiren proposes they maintain a "safe distance" to quell the rumors. Fang Zhiyou, however, steps closer, asking her directly about her feelings for him. Startled, Xu Yiren is speechless.
He then asserts that as long as they conduct themselves honorably, they have no need to care about others' perceptions, before reminding her not to be late for work. Disheartened by Fang Zhiyou's growing relationship with Xu Yiren, He Yuwen vents her frustrations in a boxing session with Chen Qiming, who has secretly admired her for years. Chen Qiming expresses sympathy for her intense competitiveness, but He Yuwen dismisses it, vowing to fight for what she desires.
She voices her insecurity about no longer being irreplaceable to Fang Zhiyou, noting that another woman has succeeded in making him break his principles—a feat she never accomplished. Chen Qiming suggests this is because she has always idealized Fang Zhiyou, never daring to challenge him. He Yuwen recalls how her father’s demanding pursuit of perfection instilled in her a relentless drive to be the best, declaring that no one will displace her.
During a mock negotiation practice, Fang Zhiyou exhibits a playful demeanor, prompting Xu Yiren to urge him to be more serious. He then challenges her to answer questions with the opposite of her true feelings and compliments her appearance. Soon after, Xu Yiren receives a call from Li Zhe, who reminds her that he owes her a meal and invites her out that evening.
Fang Zhiyou observes her delighted expression, internally noting that a woman's true interest is often revealed by her animated phone conversations. Later, as Fang Zhiyou drives Xu Yiren home, he appears distracted and repeatedly tries to detain her with vague warnings, struggling to articulate his true intentions. After she leaves, he calls for his car to be taken for a fabricated brake issue, ensuring he has a reason to remain nearby.
Xu Yiren meets Li Zhe for dinner at a luxurious restaurant. Dismayed by the exorbitant prices, she orders only a truffle mushroom pasta. Li Zhe, however, orders an array of expensive dishes and insists on covering the bill. He notices her wallet, which she explains was a gift from Fang Zhiyou. Li Zhe finds this unusual and asks if they are close, but Xu Yiren insists their relationship is strictly professional.
As dinner concludes, Li Zhe directly expresses his romantic interest and asks her on a more formal date. Before she can respond, Fang Zhiyou unexpectedly appears. A tense confrontation ensues, with Li Zhe challenging Fang Zhiyou for interfering in his employee's personal life. Fang Zhiyou retorts that any issues should be directed at him, not those close to him, after which Li Zhe defiantly returns Xu Yiren's wallet to Fang Zhiyou.
As heavy rain begins to fall, Fang Zhiyou offers to take Xu Yiren home, but with his car at the repair shop, they seek shelter. He reveals his deep sadness, explaining that Li Zhe is the son of Uncle Li from the hospital and was once his closest friend who defended him from bullies. Despite their shared past, they are now estranged.
Xu Yiren speculates if their strained relationship is linked to a lie that caused Li Zhe's family misfortune, and Fang Zhiyou admits he is the reason for Li Zhe's return to China. He then abruptly asks Xu Yiren if she likes Li Zhe. She denies any romantic feelings, which visibly relieves him. When Xu Yiren asks why he cares, he confesses he doesn't know, only that he fears she might be deceived.
Xu Yiren then wraps the scarf he had given her around his neck. Fang Zhiyou gently adjusts it, wrapping the other end around her, and they share the scarf as they run out into the pouring rain together.
