My Bargain Queen Episode 40 (Ending) Recap
> My Bargain Queen Recap
Sheng Zhening arrived just in time to accuse Xue Qingshan of murder, presenting Xue Qingshan's former driver, Yang Da, as a key witness. Yang Da recounted that Senior Sheng had uncovered evidence of Xue Qingshan's illegal fund-raising and urged him to confess. Instead, Xue Qingshan harbored resentment. Yang Da, eager to save his daughter who desperately needed money for surgery, succumbed to Xue Qingshan's demands.
Before a scheduled meeting between Xue Qingshan and Senior Sheng, Yang Da tampered with the brake system of Senior Sheng's car, leading to the fatal car accident. Yang Da confessed that although Xue Qingshan provided him with shares in Lihe Capital after the incident, his daughter ultimately didn't survive, which he regarded as karma. To atone for his sins, he donated all his money, yet he continued to suffer daily from overwhelming guilt and self-blame.
Xue Qingshan vehemently denied the accusations, claiming it was slander orchestrated by Sheng Zhening and Yang Da, and threatened legal action. Sheng Zhening asserted that the truth would be revealed at the Public Security Bureau, dismissing Xue Qingshan's claims. When Xue Qingshan refused to comply, Qin Hebo announced that the police were already waiting outside, causing Xue Qingshan to collapse as he finally faced justice. Yang Da, as an accomplice, also surrendered and received legal sanctions.
Following the dramatic events, Sheng Zhening and Qin Hebo put their past animosity aside and reconciled. Xia Qian was surprised by their sudden rapprochement, later learning that Qin Hebo's former assistant, Emily, had sought out Sheng Zhening. Emily clarified that Qin Hebo was innocent of sabotaging Ning Meng's wedding; it was all Xue Qingshan's doing. Emily also revealed that despite his outward demeanor, Qin Hebo deeply cared for Sheng Zhening and Ning Meng's relationship.
Influenced by Emily's words, Sheng Zhening approached Qin Hebo, gradually letting go of his resentment. Qin Hebo then shared critical information he had gathered with Sheng Zhening. He told Sheng Zhening that Emily had informed him about Yang Da, Xue Qingshan's long-time driver, who mysteriously resigned shortly after Senior Sheng's accident and was subsequently given a significant share of Lihe Capital, a fact Qin Hebo found highly suspicious.
Sheng Zhening added that Ning Meng recalled her father arguing with Xue Qingshan on the day of the car accident, further strengthening his suspicions. They concluded that Yang Da was the key to unlocking the mystery. Aware that Evergreen was in a financial crisis and major investors were unwilling to help, Sheng Zhening noted that Huayu Capital had surprisingly offered a favorable financing deal.
He revealed that An An had discovered Huayu's CEO had past dealings with Xue Qingshan, suggesting it was a trap. Believing that Xue Qingshan was under immense pressure from the costs of suppressing Evergreen and might resort to extreme measures, Sheng Zhening and Qin Hebo devised a plan: Sheng Zhening would proceed with negotiations for financing with Huayu, while Qin Hebo would secretly investigate Yang Da. Qin Hebo assured Sheng Zhening of his discretion.
Later, during a celebratory gathering, Qin Hebo announced his marriage. Xia Qian jokingly admonished Sheng Zhening for keeping their reconciliation a secret, prompting Qin Hebo to explain it was a calculated move for security, as he had instructed Sheng Zhening not to disclose it, just as he hadn't told Fu Shuangshuang. He then promised Xia Qian he would never lie to her again.
Sheng Zhening, Xia Qian, and Ning Meng visited their parents' graves, where Sheng Zhening informed his deceased parents that Xue Qingshan had been brought to justice and that Evergreen had overcome its challenges. Ning Meng added that she and her brother were doing well. On their way back, while Sheng Zhening briefly left to buy water, Ning Meng apologized to Xia Qian for her past behavior.
She admitted that, putting aside prejudices, she saw Xia Qian as a beautiful, kind, thoughtful, and sensible woman, unlike herself, who constantly felt insecure. When Xia Qian inquired about Ning Meng and He Zhijuan, Ning Meng revealed they had divorced. Xia Qian shared that she had recently met He Zhijuan, who spoke only of Ning Meng, and encouraged Ning Meng not to give up on their relationship, suggesting they could remarry and reconnect.
Inspired, Ning Meng went to He Zhijuan's hospital but found his office empty. Director Lu informed her that He Zhijuan had volunteered for a psychological counseling project for earthquake-affected children in another city and had left a week prior. Director Lu handed Ning Meng a letter He Zhijuan had left for her. In the letter, He Zhijuan apologized for leaving abruptly and recalled Ning Meng's past desire to forget him. He expressed sadness at this, not wanting to be forgotten.
He wrote that he hoped to improve himself through his work and suggested that if they were to meet again in two years, she might give him a chance to get to know him anew. After reading the letter, Ning Meng called Mr. Hu, informing him of her decision to continue running her cake shop, which was conveniently located across from He Zhijuan's hospital.
Sheng Zhening rejoined Xia Qian and Ning Meng, who kept their private conversation secret from him, though Sheng Zhening playfully addressed Xia Qian as "sister-in-law." Sheng Zhening presented Xia Qian with various wedding plans and a tiara, all previously discussed. However, Xia Qian, recognizing that Evergreen was still recovering, proposed a simpler wedding.
She reminded Sheng Zhening of his past promise that she would be his personal bargainer, and she aimed to organize the most heartwarming and romantic wedding at the lowest possible cost. Demonstrating her negotiation skills, Xia Qian secured bridesmaid dresses at a surprisingly low price, explaining the "sunk cost" principle to the astonished wedding planner.
She also suggested using more affordable Texas bluebells and artificial flowers for less visible areas, asserting that Evergreen's funds were hard-earned and that as a consumer, they had the right to fair prices. The wedding planner eventually agreed to her terms. Sheng Zhening praised her skills, remarking that he had always wanted her to work for Evergreen.
Xia Qian arranged for Evergreen to handle the food and drinks, and Ning Meng to bake the wedding cake, to which Sheng Zhening readily agreed. Xia Qian felt their wedding was happening too quickly, but Sheng Zhening countered that for him, time was moving too slowly. Sheng Zhening asked An An to be his best man, giving him a pay raise and a custom-made suit, much to An An's delight.
Meanwhile, Qin Hebo asked Fu Shuangshuang about her ideal wedding, and she proposed a destination wedding, a suggestion that perfectly aligned with his own desire to travel with her, offering to take her anywhere she wished, including Yunnan. On the eve of the wedding, Xia Qian's mother, fussing over every detail, repeatedly reminded her daughter about the wedding dress delivery, the makeup artist's arrival, and Uncle Hu picking her up, advising her not to drink water to avoid swelling.
Despite Xia Qian's good-natured complaints, her mother insisted it was her last time nagging before the big day. Xia Qian also playfully asked her mother to stay the night. On the wedding day, An An emerged in his best man suit, only to find Mu Xiaoyan wearing an identical one. They immediately began bickering over who was the rightful best man, with An An arguing that Mu Xiaoyan belonged on Xia Qian's side and should therefore be a bridesmaid.
They exchanged playful insults about their looks, and An An insisted there could only be one best man, telling Mu Xiaoyan to take off the suit. Qin Hebo arrived at the wedding and congratulated Sheng Zhening. Sheng Zhening extended an offer to Qin Hebo to manage a new bar he planned to open in the east of the city, which Qin Hebo happily accepted. Xia Qian's father walked her down the aisle, emotionally entrusting her to Sheng Zhening.
The couple exchanged heartfelt vows, with both Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian declaring, "I do," before exchanging rings in front of their gathered family and friends. During a reception speech, Xia Qian reiterated their decision for a simple wedding, thanking their family, including her parents, for being there. She spoke of her journey as a bargainer, having once believed everything had a price, but now realized that their love was truly priceless.
Two years later, Sheng Zhening discussed the acquisition of Langyue, with the contract signing scheduled for the following Monday. He postponed an evening meeting to celebrate his and Xia Qian's daughter's 100-day birthday. Mu Xiaoyan was preparing for a joint live stream, expressing nerves. Xia Qian received a handmade ukulele from her father, a gift for their granddaughter, wishing her happiness. Xia Qian’s mother called from France, apologizing for missing the celebration due to Uncle Hu miscalculating the dates.
She sent her love and wished the baby good health and growth. Ning Meng, whose cake shop was now located across from He Zhijuan’s hospital, had finished the baby’s cake. She received an online order from an account named “Little Mousse” for pickup. To her surprise, He Zhijuan walked into her shop. Ning Meng, realizing it was him, excitedly invited him to the baby's 100-day celebration, which he accepted.
Meanwhile, Fu Shuangshuang and Qin Hebo were seen picking out baby clothes. Qin Hebo had bought many pink outfits, expressing a father's instinct that they would have a daughter. When Fu Shuangshuang asked what if it was a boy, he jokingly suggested they'd swap with Sheng Zhening's daughter, then playfully teased Fu Shuangshuang about having more children until they had a girl, even triplets. Qin Hebo also confirmed he would not be returning to his old life.
Everyone gathered at Evergreen Hotel for the celebration, toasting the baby's health and happiness. During the cake-cutting, Sheng Zhening affectionately called Xia Qian "baby," much to her embarrassment, especially when Mu Xiaoyan pointed out the confusion. Sheng Zhening dismissed it, saying it "escaped his lips" and he saw nothing wrong with it. As the celebration concluded, a sudden rain shower forced Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian to take shelter at a nearby bus stop.
They both recognized the spot as where they first met. Xia Qian reminded Sheng Zhening that it was where he had kissed her, to which he playfully retorted that it was she who had kissed him first. Xia Qian admitted she did it on purpose, and Sheng Zhening, claiming he would "get his revenge," pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss as the rain continued to fall.
