My True Friend Episode 10 Recap
> My True Friend Recap
Shao Pengcheng rushed to the playground and found Ivan alone on the swings, crying and filled with fear. Ivan asked if Shao Pengcheng was there to arrest him and if his friend Bill had died. Shao Pengcheng, identifying himself as an older brother who sells houses, reassured Ivan that Bill was fine and he wasn't there to arrest him. Ivan spoke of wanting to be an angel to escape his troubles.
Shao Pengcheng told him about a thin wall between life and death and how angels can give strength. Mr. and Mrs. Yang soon arrived, relieved to find their son safe, though Mrs. Yang initially scolded Ivan while Mr. Yang tried to calm her. Later, at the kindergarten, the teacher informed Mr. and Mrs. Yang that Bill was recovering and his parents wouldn't pursue the matter.
However, the teacher also revealed that Ivan had pushed and hit other children three times that month, noting he was introverted, anxious, didn't socialize well, and sometimes became violent. Mrs. Yang was shocked, questioning if her son had a mental problem. The teacher suggested that Ivan was under excessive stress and recommended letting him rest, play, and relax. She showed them pictures of Ivan looking isolated and unhappy, which deeply distressed Mrs. Yang.
In a private conversation with Shao Pengcheng, Ivan confessed he didn't want to be friends with the other kids because they insulted him. He felt sad and couldn't control his actions, expressing that he only did things to please his parents, like Taekwondo, chess, piano, and English. He also revealed his fear that his father might overwork himself to death trying to afford an an expensive school district house in Huaishu.
Shao Pengcheng later discussed Ivan's situation with Cheng Zhenzhen, expressing his concern for the boy despite understanding the parents' good intentions. Cheng Zhenzhen agreed that Mr. and Mrs. Yang were using the wrong methods to show their love. Determined to help, Shao Pengcheng vowed to find a suitable school district house for them, and Cheng Zhenzhen offered to help organize the property listings.
That evening, Mrs. Yang called Bill's mother to apologize for Ivan's behavior and offered to cover Bill's medical expenses, mentioning she had lectured Ivan. After Mr. Yang put Ivan to bed, Mrs. Yang wanted to wake their son to talk, but Mr. Yang suggested she rest. She grew agitated, blaming the preschool for Ivan's issues.
Mr. Yang retorted, pointing out how many times Ivan had changed schools in a year and urging her to consider if their own parenting was contributing to Ivan's problems by pushing him too hard. Mrs. Yang became furious, explaining she forced Ivan to study so he would be more successful than his father, whose income couldn't afford a good school district house. She also admitted to feeling guilty when real estate agents questioned their finances.
Overhearing their escalating argument, Ivan quietly cried in his room. At the Flower Garden real estate office, Luo Zuer came looking for Shao Pengcheng, but he was out on business. Fu Xiaoning greeted her and, seeing her dejected, advised her to maintain a dignified demeanor befitting a "respected lady" and not to appear too eager, as the one who rushes usually loses. He even demonstrated how to act indifferent, suggesting it would make Shao Pengcheng more attentive.
Just then, Fu Xiaoning's girlfriend, Xi Shan, unexpectedly arrived and witnessed his flirtatious behavior. Fu Xiaoning quickly introduced Xi Shan as his "little cousin," which angered her. Xi Shan tearfully questioned if this was his way of making money and stormed out. Fu Xiaoning chased after her, explaining that his actions were "just playing around" and calling her his cousin was "because of work" to maintain client relations.
He further explained that Luo Zuer, being a wealthy "Miss Perfect" with a multi-million yuan car, was already taken and not his type, reassuring Xi Shan of his love for her. Xi Shan then revealed she had quit her job back home and moved to Shanghai to be with him, having waited three years for him to return. Seeing her distress, Fu Xiaoning profusely apologized. Fu Xiaoning took Xi Shan to his rental accommodation.
Xi Shan was shocked by its simple and somewhat rundown appearance, as the photos he had sent her previously depicted a much nicer, spacious apartment with a balcony. He admitted those were photos of a house he was selling and explained that his current shared room, costing eight hundred yuan per person, was practical due to its proximity to work, saving him commute time and allowing him to sleep in after late nights.
He then presented her with a savings passbook, explaining it was his way of tracking his savings towards buying a house and marrying her, his "adorable fatty." Xi Shan was moved by his dedication, expressed regret for her earlier anger, and affirmed her decision to stay with him in Shanghai, through thick and thin.
Fu Xiaoning then gave her a book to help her learn the common dialect, promising audio tapes, which she reluctantly accepted after initially thinking he was ashamed of her accent. Shao Pengcheng and Cheng Zhenzhen worked tirelessly, reviewing listings and discussing properties. Eventually, Mr. and Mrs. Yang contacted Shao Pengcheng, apologizing for their previous misunderstanding of his intentions and expressing deep gratitude for his persistence.
They informed him they had decided to purchase the house in Yang Alley, the second property he had recommended. Mr. Yang shared that Ivan had been diagnosed with mild anxiety by a psychologist, who advised improving the home and school environment, explaining that parental anxiety often affects children, leading to immense pressure and outbursts of violence.
Both parents admitted their fault in pushing Ivan too hard and neglecting his emotional well-being, realizing that mental health was more important than academic success. Mrs. Yang specifically thanked Shao Pengcheng for preventing them from buying a more expensive and unsuitable house, acknowledging that his advice was truly for their benefit. Shao Pengcheng reassured them it was not too late, emphasizing that some houses and buyers are destined for each other.
Mrs. Yang, distressed by her husband's multiple jobs to afford a house, agreed to finalize the purchase quickly. Soon after, Mr. Yang purchased the school district house. On the basketball court, he and Shao Pengcheng played happily with Ivan. Mrs. Yang approached Cheng Zhenzhen, thanking her for finding a "tailor-made solution" and apologizing for her earlier behavior. She also mentioned that Shao Pengcheng had praised Cheng Zhenzhen's perseverance, recognizing her as an exemplary real estate agent.
Cheng Zhenzhen playfully deflected the praise, humorously attributing her recent sick days to Shao Pengcheng. Mrs. Yang chuckled, remarking that the two of them made a "perfect match" as partners. Cheng Zhenzhen simply smiled as they watched Ivan play joyfully, reminding them of childhood freedom. Back at the office, Shao Pengcheng reported his successful sale to Zeng Huimin.
Fu Xiaoning then introduced Xi Shan to Zeng Huimin as his "cousin," hoping to secure a real estate agent position for her despite her accounting background. Shao Pengcheng scoffed at the idea, pointing out her unrelated major. However, Fu Xiaoning argued that the agency needed reserve staff and offered to personally train Xi Shan.
Zeng Huimin agreed to take Xi Shan on as an intern, stipulating no basic salary for the first month, only commission, with the promise of full recruitment if she met performance standards. Fu Xiaoning began instructing Xi Shan on the job's essentials, still maintaining the pretense of being her cousin.
Xi Shan expressed her desire to rent a shared room to save money, but Fu Xiaoning strongly opposed it, detailing the poor living conditions and lack of privacy in such places, insisting she stay in a hotel. Overhearing their discussion, Cheng Zhenzhen generously offered Xi Shan a place to stay at her home for a few days, as she lived alone and there would be no disruption.
Fu Xiaoning gratefully accepted, then lightheartedly teased Cheng Zhenzhen about her hygiene, suggesting Xi Shan could help with cleaning. Cheng Zhenzhen denied it, blaming her recent tiredness for any untidiness. Fu Xiaoning arranged for Cheng Zhenzhen to pick up Xi Shan later that evening. Meanwhile, Zeng Huimin attended an industry elite blind dating event.
She was approached by Li Qiang, a miner from Shanxi, who immediately began asking personal questions about her marital status, age, and health, emphasizing his family's desire for a male heir. Finding his inquiries extremely impolite, Zeng Huimin ended the conversation. She later received a phone call from her father, who pressed her for details about the date and the man's qualifications, suggesting he would arrange another one. Zeng Huimin responded dismissively.
Later, Shao Pengcheng mysteriously took Cheng Zhenzhen to the riverside. She questioned his intentions, wondering if he wanted a favor or had a guilty conscience. He simply stated it was for a boat ride. They met "Old Li," who respectfully addressed Shao Pengcheng as "Master Shao," a title Shao Pengcheng dismissed as an "occupational hazard" from Old Li's former role as a butler. Cheng Zhenzhen was surprised to discover Shao Pengcheng could skillfully operate the yacht.
He playfully boasted of possessing many other talents she had yet to discover. He then played music he enjoyed, comparing it favorably to Jing Ran's violin playing, which Cheng Zhenzhen quickly defended. Despite her initial suspicions, Cheng Zhenzhen eventually relaxed, enjoying the gentle evening breeze and the beautiful night scenery. Shao Pengcheng encouraged her to appreciate the moment.
