My True Friend Episode 11 Recap
> My True Friend Recap
Zeng Huimin found herself in a distressing situation on a blind date, as the man aggressively questioned her age, physical health, and ability to bear children, stating his family's need for an heir. Zeng Huimin found his behavior exceptionally rude, but he continued to insult her, calling her a "lonely lady" and a "migrant worker" for her lack of property in Shanghai. He then physically grabbed her, suggesting they "live for the moment."
Just as she struggled to free herself, Mu Yunping, who was driving by, quickly exited his car to intervene. He pushed the man away and asked Zeng Huimin if she was alright. The man, in turn, accused Zeng Huimin of having a "lover" and being deceitful for going on a blind date. Mu Yunping warned him, but the man retorted that Zeng Huimin’s own father had arranged the match. Embarrassed, Zeng Huimin quickly pulled Mu Yunping away.
Mu Yunping then drove her to her residential complex, assuring her that his memory was poor and he would have forgotten the day's unpleasant events by tomorrow. He advised her to let go of any unpleasantness and get some sleep. After he left, Zeng Huimin went into a convenience store to buy beer, visibly upset. Later, her father called her, scolding her for her behavior on the blind date.
He expressed his disbelief, reminding her of her age and how her classmates' children were already grown. He criticized her for rejecting a man in Shanghai who owned both a car and a house, claiming she should be grateful and that she had thrown a tantrum. He called her "brainless" and told her that without a car, house, or a local permit in Shanghai, she was like someone on welfare.
He starkly informed her that all their savings were allocated to her brother, and she shouldn't expect them to support her. After the phone call, Zeng Huimin sat on the steps and cried. Shao Pengcheng and Cheng Zhenzhen celebrated their first successful sale, which Shao Pengcheng joked saved them from being fired.
He reflected on his initial disdain for real estate work, admitting that, contrary to his original plan to leave after his first commission, he now found happiness in the job and intended to stay. He playfully asked if Cheng Zhenzhen thought her "stupidity" had rubbed off on him. Noticing a necklace Cheng Zhenzhen wore, she confirmed it was a gift from Aunt Bai.
Shao Pengcheng then earnestly asked if she would always be his partner if he continued at Flower Garden Real Estate. She playfully feigned hesitation, irritating him, but then confirmed that she would. Relieved, Shao Pengcheng raised his glass, toasting to their "perfect partnership" and a bright future. Xi Shan settled into Cheng Zhenzhen’s home.
Cheng Zhenzhen offered her some fruit, and Xi Shan mentioned she was listening to an audiobook to improve her Mandarin, as Fu Xiao Ning had advised her to adapt to Shanghai. Cheng Zhenzhen encouraged her, assuring her that her Mandarin would quickly improve and she might even learn Shanghainese, and they playfully practiced a Shanghainese phrase. Xi Shan expressed her family’s worries about her decision to stay in Shanghai, making her question if she was doing the right thing.
Cheng Zhenzhen led her to the window, revealing a magnificent night view of the Bund, which she called one of Shanghai's finest. Cheng Zhenzhen described Shanghai as a magical city where everyone, regardless of social status, could pursue and achieve their dreams. Xi Shan wondered if real estate agents were often mistreated. Cheng Zhenzhen admitted they sometimes faced the tempers of both buyers and sellers, but she found deep satisfaction and pride in helping people find warm homes.
Inspired, Xi Shan expressed her hope to one day find her own place in the city, just like Cheng Zhenzhen, who encouraged her to believe in herself. They then light-heartedly discussed the famous buildings of Shanghai. The next day at the office, Zeng Huimin's somber mood was evident, making her colleagues cautious. Fu Xiao Ning informed Zeng Huimin that he was taking Xi Shan to familiarize her with various properties.
Zeng Huimin sternly reminded them to meet their sales performance targets by month-end. Xi Shan was initially excited to see properties for work, but Fu Xiao Ning clarified that they were actually looking for a rental place for her. He explained that staying with Cheng Zhenzhen indefinitely wasn't a sustainable solution and that settling down would allow her to focus on work. Xi Shan agreed, feeling it was time to move out of Cheng Zhenzhen’s apartment.
Xi Shan then showed Fu Xiao Ning some seemingly cheap and well-decorated online listings, including one for 1,000 RMB, which she considered a good deal. Fu Xiao Ning immediately recognized these as deceptive, explaining they were likely partitioned rooms from secondary landlords. They visited one such listing, which turned out to be a cramped, old, and damp room, completely unlike the online photos.
The landlord attempted to justify its condition, but Fu Xiao Ning highlighted its many flaws, explaining that online advertisements often exaggerate, comparing it to misleading instant noodle packaging. He then suggested a more suitable apartment for 1,560 RMB, but noted it required a one-month deposit and three months' rent upfront. Recognizing Xi Shan's lack of current income, Fu Xiao Ning offered to cover the initial payment, asking her to reimburse him once she received her first salary.
In Italy, Jing Ran was enjoying sightseeing and taking photos of his mother, Aunt Bai. Aunt Bai expressed her excitement to see the pictures and her intention to send them to Cheng Zhenzhen and Shao Pengcheng. Jing Ran then received a phone call. Aunt Bai, assuming it was a work call, urged him to attend to it, saying she could manage on her own.
However, Jing Ran reassured her it was not work and insisted on continuing their outing, explaining that he hadn't taken a break since arriving in Italy and cherished their time together. Fu Xiao Ning and Xi Shan eventually found a rooftop apartment that Xi Shan liked, and they decided to rent it. After the landlady reminded them to be mindful of water and electricity usage, Fu Xiao Ning paid her 6,000 RMB, covering the deposit and three months' rent.
Once they were alone, Xi Shan expressed her gratitude, stating that she didn't mind the simple plank housing and that she could live anywhere as long as she was with him. She praised the apartment for being clean, tidy, well-furnished, and more affordable and superior to the partitioned homes they had seen. Touched by her understanding, Fu Xiao Ning led her to a view of the Bund.
Looking out at the city, he solemnly promised to work diligently, earn money, and eventually buy a house there for them, vowing to provide Xi Shan with a warm and happy home. Xi Shan responded that his heartfelt promise alone was enough to make her happy. That evening, Fu Xiao Ning and Xi Shan arrived at Cheng Zhenzhen's apartment to pack Xi Shan's belongings. Fu Xiao Ning profusely thanked Cheng Zhenzhen for her care.
Cheng Zhenzhen dismissed his gratitude, stating that as co-workers, mutual help was natural, and encouraged them to ask for her assistance anytime. Xi Shan invited Cheng Zhenzhen to visit their new place once it was settled, reiterating her thanks. Cheng Zhenzhen also inquired if Xi Shan had finished reading the book "Wan Li 15 Years," to which Xi Shan confirmed, noting her Mandarin had significantly improved. Fu Xiao Ning and Xi Shan then said their goodbyes and left.
Later, Cheng Zhenzhen received photos from Aunt Bai. She then replied, asking Aunt Bai about her well-being in Rome, her adjustment to the local food, and if she had made any friends, wishing her good health and happiness. She also mentioned that Shao Pengcheng missed her. While Aunt Bai was cooking fried dumplings, a dish her son Jing Ran particularly enjoyed, she attempted to communicate with the maid, planning to offer her some.
However, due to the language barrier, Aunt Bai misunderstood the maid's attempts to caution her about the cooking, and instead asked her to attend to other tasks. Shortly after, the oil in the pan caught fire. Startled, Aunt Bai frantically tried to extinguish the flames herself, burning her hand. In her panic, she tried to call emergency services, but her distress and the language barrier made it difficult to communicate effectively.
The maid, hearing the commotion, quickly alerted Jing Ran, who rushed downstairs and swiftly put out the fire. Jing Ran then comforted his mother, who was still shaken and worried about incurring high fees for calling emergency services since they had not arrived. Jing Ran reassured her, explaining that she had likely misdialed or had difficulty communicating, and that he had already informed them it was a mistake.
Aunt Bai felt remorseful for causing trouble, but Jing Ran emphasized that her safety and well-being were his utmost priority. Later, Aunt Bai went to the market with Sophie, the maid. As Aunt Bai was paying for groceries, Jing Ran called her to explain his decision to hire a Chinese-speaking domestic helper due to his concerns following the recent kitchen fire, assuring his mother that Sophie would receive severance.
Simultaneously, Sophie received a phone call from Jing Ran’s secretary, informing her of her dismissal for the same reason. Sophie, upset and unable to understand the situation, began yelling at Aunt Bai in Italian. Confused by Sophie's sudden anger and the language barrier, Aunt Bai tried to follow her, but Sophie quickly walked away, leaving Aunt Bai lost and disoriented in the market.
In a state of panic, she attempted to call Jing Ran, but he was at work and unable to answer. Distraught, she accidentally dropped her wallet. A man dressed in a samurai costume picked it up and tried to return it, calling out to her in Italian. However, Aunt Bai, disoriented and unable to understand him, perceived him as a threat and tried to flee. Her frantic behavior caught the attention of the police.
After the police intervened and helped clarify the situation, Aunt Bai finally understood that the man was simply trying to return her wallet. Overcome with relief and gratitude, she tearfully thanked him. Upon returning home, Jing Ran comforted his mother, expressing self-reproach for her distressing experience at the market. Aunt Bai, however, reassured him, stating she would adapt quickly to her new life and even joked about her adventure being a "new immigrant joke."
Jing Ran, still concerned, offered to stay home with her, but Aunt Bai insisted he go to work, not wanting to hinder his business and feeling she would be useless if he lingered. Jing Ran promised to return home immediately after work and urged her to call him first if any issues arose.
Later, while at work, Cheng Zhenzhen received a phone call from Aunt Bai’s attending physician, who confirmed Cheng Zhenzhen was Aunt Bai’s emergency contact and asked her to come to the hospital. Cheng Zhenzhen informed Shao Pengcheng that Aunt Bai’s doctor had called, and she needed to leave. Shao Pengcheng offered to accompany her, but she reminded him of his client appointments.
At the hospital, Cheng Zhenzhen explained that Aunt Bai had moved to Italy to live with her son and had likely left without contacting her doctor. The psychiatrist then informed Cheng Zhenzhen that Bai Ya Ru had been diagnosed with an early, mild case of elderly depression, characterized by symptoms such as pessimism, forgetfulness, feelings of abandonment, and bouts of inexplicable sadness and crying, often accompanied by a sense of life’s meaninglessness.
The doctor cautioned that while living with family might seem helpful, a sudden major environmental change could exert immense mental pressure on an elderly person, whose adaptability is naturally declining. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Cheng Zhenzhen thanked the doctor. Immediately after her appointment, she attempted to contact Jing Ran, who was currently in a work meeting discussing architectural designs and client requirements, to share her urgent concerns about his mother’s health.
