My Lonely Planet Episode 12 Recap
> My Lonely Planet Recap
After their previous disagreement, Miao Yu reiterated his offer to help Wang Chen reconcile with Qin Rui. He explained that he was willing to clarify their unique situation to Qin Rui with the help of Bi Guan, suggesting it might lead to their reunion. Wang Chen, however, expressed concern about the confidentiality agreement they had signed and its potential impact on Miao Yu.
He brushed off her worries, stating that telling only Qin Rui wouldn’t be an issue since he wasn't in their industry. Miao Yu confidently added that he was sure to win the upcoming Double 11, so he wasn't afraid. Wang Chen playfully called him a "bighead," which he heard and retorted, advising her to be grateful.
The next day, Wang Chen called Miao Yu, admitting that while she wasn't "giving up," she acknowledged the significant difference between business theory and practice. After hanging up, Miao Yu grinned foolishly at the phone. Miao Yu, still on duty, invited her to visit his company, Hu Tao, on the night of November 10th to experience their collective positive energy firsthand.
Wang Chen cautiously agreed, wondering if his colleagues might confront her, but Miao Yu assured her they would be too busy to notice, and no one would bother her. They both agreed to the plan. Later, Miao Yu confided in an employee, describing a friend's strange symptoms: feeling empty without a certain person but anxious and emotionally volatile when with them. The employee insightfully concluded that his friend was likely falling in love, a suggestion Miao Yu immediately dismissed.
On November 10th, Wang Chen arrived at Hu Tao. Miao Yu led her to his office, which contained a bed he used when working overnight. He told her she could stay there if she wanted to be alone, assuring her no one would enter without his permission. Wang Chen, looking around, remarked on the high position of his office and the immense pressure he must feel. Miao Yu explained that for entrepreneurs, pressure was as constant as daily meals.
He then took her to a hidden vantage point, calling it the "real battlefield," so she could observe the entire work process without being noticed. He left her there to attend to his duties. Meanwhile, Zhou Xixi approached Wang Chen, sincerely apologizing for a past incident involving a dog sweater design. Wang Chen graciously accepted, assuring Xixi that she had never doubted her integrity.
She acknowledged that Xixi's past words had prompted her own self-reflection, leading to her recent personal growth. Wang Chen expressed happiness that Xixi had found a career she loved, and they both pledged to support each other in their future endeavors. Shortly after, a colleague asked Xixi for help updating an activity page, but Xixi, being new to graphic design, was hesitant about the tight deadline. Wang Chen offered her assistance.
Miao Yu then appeared, initially referring to Wang Chen as "Lady Ugly," but quickly correcting himself and instructing his employee to call her Wang Chen. He welcomed her to his "battlefield." As the clock ticked towards midnight on Double 11, the atmosphere at Hu Tao was charged with intense activity. Miao Yu meticulously managed every aspect, directing Liu Tan to send sales reports, Haipeng to track coupons and cart data, and Sun Na to monitor inventory.
He swiftly approved an additional 500,000 RMB for paid promotions and dispatched Zhou Xin to find Fang Liang. He also adjusted inventory levels based on coupon conversion rates and urged Xiaoyu to closely supervise key opinion leaders and live streamers. When a supply chain issue arose due to insufficient fabric, Miao Yu immediately instructed his team to contact suppliers in Keqiao District.
Miao Yu rallied his team with a motivational speech, emphasizing that Hu Tao's destiny would be determined that day and expressing immense pride in their achievements. The sales numbers on the large screen soared, reaching 19. 8 million RMB. At precisely midnight, the sales officially breached the 20 million RMB mark, erupting cheers and jubilant celebrations throughout the office.
An employee announced that it was 1:01 AM on November 11th, and Hu Tao had climbed three ranks in the industry, hitting 20 million RMB eight hours earlier than the previous year, with total sales projected to quadruple. The team joyfully began planning their victory celebration. However, their triumph was short-lived. Almost immediately, reports of mass returns poured in, starting from Shanghai and quickly spreading to all other regions.
Employees were in a state of panic as they discovered that unauthorized, excessive coupons (offering 100 RMB off for every 200 RMB spent) had been added to Hu Tao’s main page, drastically lowering prices. This meant customers were canceling their original orders to repurchase at the cheaper rates, a move that would lead to catastrophic financial losses for Hu Tao. Realizing it was an "inside job," Miao Yu rushed to the operations department, only to find it completely deserted.
An employee confirmed that the entire team had silently vacated through the emergency exits. Miao Yu desperately tried to call someone, but the call failed, reminding him of a past warning about losing his job if Double 11 failed. Overwhelmed, he instructed everyone to go home, declaring that Double 11 was over and their efforts were wasted. Later, in his office, Miao Yu spoke with Wang Chen, expressing regret that she had witnessed a "farce" instead of an inspiring lesson.
He admitted he had anticipated foul play but was shocked by the ruthlessness of the perpetrators, who had even compromised Hu Tao's reputation. Miao Yu reflected on his life philosophy of never having a fallback plan, believing that a life without retreat would lack excitement. He had always believed in the power of hard work and ability, questioning why he had ultimately suffered such a devastating defeat.
He assured Wang Chen he would be fine and asked for some time alone with Hu Tao. Facing the inevitable, Miao Yu signed the acquisition contract, understanding that his vote held no power against the board's decision, as outlined in the third term of the agreement. He saw Mr. He's unwavering resolve and, having already prepared his resignation letter, submitted it.
The acquired Hu Tao was no longer the ideal he had strived for, and he believed his departure was the best way to protect his years of hard work and the welfare of his employees. His colleagues were deeply saddened by his resignation. Miao Yu addressed them in a heartfelt farewell speech, acknowledging he wasn't a perfect boss and attributing Hu Tao's success to their collective efforts.
He thanked them and urged them to continue living and working well, entrusting Hu Tao's future to them. He offered personal advice to several employees: reminding Ken not to overwork, approving a promotion for another who needed to improve her presentation skills, and expressing gratitude to Sun Na for her dedication. He also announced that he had arranged for a year of weekly traditional Chinese medicine physical therapy for all employees to address their sub-healthy conditions from overwork.
As he calmly walked out of the office at 9 AM for the last time, his employees shouted, "Walnut strives for the best!" The moment he stepped out the door, Miao Yu silently cried. Outside, Mr. He met him, and Miao Yu, accepting his loss, thanked him for the opportunity. He made a final plea for Mr. He to treat Hu Tao and its employees well, to which Mr. He coldly replied that they were "no longer your employees."
Later, Wang Chen's online store was gaining popularity, with customers referring to her as "Lady Ugly" and requesting live streams. However, her former colleague Zhou Xixi called, revealing that Wang Chen had intervened with Miao Yu to prevent legal action against Xixi for the past dog sweater incident. Xixi then informed a shocked Wang Chen that Miao Yu had resigned that very day, believing he was deliberately set up.
Deeply concerned, Wang Chen immediately closed her shop, despite customer protests, and rushed to Miao Yu's apartment. She frantically knocked on his door, calling his name, and in her panicked state, imagined him contemplating suicide. She tearfully convinced the property management to open his door, citing a life-or-death emergency. Upon entering, Wang Chen and the property manager were met with the sight of Miao Yu shirtless, wearing yellow shorts with a dog print, and dancing with headphones on.
Both screamed, startling Miao Yu, who demanded to know why they were in his house. The property manager, mistakenly calling Wang Chen his "girlfriend," explained her concern. Miao Yu quickly denied they were a couple, but the manager pointed out Wang Chen's visible tears. The property manager then left, advising Miao Yu to get dressed. Wang Chen stayed, and Miao Yu playfully accused her of faking tears, which she denied, insisting her acting was just good.
She admitted her genuine worry, especially after hearing he had resigned. Miao Yu, unfazed, explained he had simply been bathing, playing games, and listening to music. He revealed he had chosen to leave Hu Tao to protect the company and its employees from further harm, as the instigators were clearly targeting him. He viewed this setback as a heaven-sent opportunity to pause and reflect on the aspects of life he had missed.
Although he hadn't decided on his next steps, Miao Yu was good at self-regulation. Wang Chen expressed surprise at his resilience. He continued to tease her about her concern, which she again attributed to her "coffee" caring for him. Wang Chen expressed hope that the upcoming lunar eclipse experiment would restore them to normal, adding that it wasn't impossible for him to make a comeback. She encouraged him that "everything will be all right."
He acknowledged her words, and she departed, reminding him not to catch a cold. Later, Miao Yu's former employees reflected on his departure, noting his social media cover change and realizing how much he truly cared for them. Mr. He, now in charge, walked by, observing their conversation. On the day of the lunar eclipse, Miao Yu and Wang Chen met at their designated spot.
Wang Chen complimented his outfit, which she had chosen, leading to playful banter about their fashion sense. They both wondered if the experiment would succeed, but decided to try regardless. Miao Yu, however, felt a sense of loss at the thought of returning to normal if the experiment succeeded.
