My True Friend Episode 13 Recap
> My True Friend Recap
Zhen Zhen arrived in Italy and was met by Jing Ran at the airport. He offered to help with her luggage, noting she had a lot. Zhen Zhen explained that two of her bags were filled with food for Aunt Bai and tried to give Jing Ran her hotel address, but he told her they were going directly to his house instead.
At home, Aunt Bai had prepared a lavish meal for Zhen Zhen, using Chinese spices like Pi Xian chili bean sauce that Zhen Zhen had thoughtfully brought, which were hard to find in Italy. Aunt Bai expressed her delight, saying she hadn't had authentic Chinese food in a long time. Jing Ran playfully teased his mother, mentioning the difficulty Zhen Zhen must have faced bringing the spices through customs.
Zhen Zhen explained she had researched online to bring only items unavailable locally. Aunt Bai then urged Zhen Zhen to stay a few extra days and insisted Jing Ran take her sightseeing around the city. Zhen Zhen initially tried to decline, citing her company business, but seeing Jing Ran's sincere invitation to show her the historically glorious city of Rome, she shyly agreed, telling him she thought he would want to discuss work first.
Jing Ran replied that work wasn't urgent yet and welcomed her to Rome, with Aunt Bai echoing the sentiment. That evening, Aunt Bai went to speak with Jing Ran, noting how focused and serious he appeared. She mentioned how sensible Zhen Zhen was, prioritizing business, but advised Jing Ran not to bother Zhen Zhen with work, as young people often struggle to balance work and rest.
Jing Ran then confessed that on his way to the airport, he learned about a bid for a renowned design project. The person in charge admired his work, making the chances of success high, but winning would mean he couldn't return to China for a year or two. Aunt Bai remained silent for a moment. Jing Ran quickly added that he hadn't made a final decision yet.
Aunt Bai, understanding the importance of his career, urged him to pursue the bid, emphasizing he shouldn't sacrifice his career for her sake. Jing Ran worried about Zhen Zhen's wasted trip. He explained that this project was very special, a chance to prove himself, and asked his mother to wait a few more years, promising to return to China to develop his career there afterward.
Aunt Bai then mused that if Zhen Zhen could stay to keep her company, cook, and talk with her, she wouldn't care where they were. Jing Ran questioned her idea, but Aunt Bai continued, wondering if Zhen Zhen would stay if they found her a job in Rome. The next day, Aunt Bai and Zhen Zhen went shopping.
Zhen Zhen suggested they buy some fruit, mentioning that Shao Pengcheng had specifically asked her to ensure Aunt Bai ate fruit for her health and mood. Aunt Bai appreciated Shao Pengcheng's thoughtfulness and asked about him. Zhen Zhen replied that he had been doing well, showing more work ethic and recently selling a house. Aunt Bai then subtly probed Zhen Zhen about her relationship with Shao Pengcheng, remarking that they seemed like a great match.
Zhen Zhen quickly clarified that they were just ordinary colleagues, explaining she just wanted to help him become more self-reliant as he was young and lacked maturity. Relieved, Aunt Bai changed the subject, gently suggesting that Zhen Zhen was at an age to find a boyfriend and shouldn't solely focus on work, lest she miss the right person. Zhen Zhen asked where she would find a suitable person.
At a fruit stand, Aunt Bai was surprised to hear Zhen Zhen conversing fluently in Italian with the vendor. Zhen Zhen modestly said she had learned a little in school. Delighted, Aunt Bai praised her language skills and immediately suggested Zhen Zhen find a job in Rome, arguing that living among Italians would accelerate her learning. Zhen Zhen gently declined, explaining her sole purpose in Italy was to discuss a business partnership with Jing Ran, not to seek employment.
Aunt Bai countered that Rome was a major city, and Zhen Zhen could join her for shopping and cooking, which she felt was a better prospect than selling homes in Shanghai. Later, Zhen Zhen arrived at Jing Ran's studio. After being admitted by an employee, Jing Ran greeted her, expressing surprise she wasn't with his mother. Zhen Zhen stated that despite Aunt Bai's plans, they needed to discuss business.
She briefly mentioned meeting someone on her flight who knew Jing Ran, considering him famous. Zhen Zhen then officially invited Jing Ran, on behalf of Love & Family Real Estate’s Chairman Shao Jian, to be their chief designer and improve small apartment designs, presenting a detailed proposal. She emphasized that Love & Family highly valued him beyond just money. Jing Ran listened intently and, after her comprehensive presentation, expressed his regret.
He acknowledged the sincerity and enticing nature of Love & Family's offer but explained he had a more critical project to complete in Italy. Zhen Zhen asked him to reconsider, but he politely refused. Jing Ran then surprised Zhen Zhen by presenting a contract for a design assistant, sincerely inviting her to join his studio. He praised her professionalism during the presentation, stating the offer was carefully deliberated.
Zhen Zhen, caught off guard, reminded him she was representing Love & Family for a partnership, not seeking employment as a real estate agent. She also suggested his design philosophy would be groundbreaking in China. Jing Ran admitted he had considered it but needed to finish his Italian project first. Seeing her hesitation, Jing Ran proposed that both consider each other's suggestions. Zhen Zhen agreed to leave and consider. Jing Ran returned her USB drive as she departed.
As Zhen Zhen walked away from his office, she suddenly turned back and saw Jing Ran casually tossing the Love & Family proposal into a trash can. Enraged, she stormed back into his office, accusing him of lacking sincerity. She asserted that while her chairman had sent her to Rome to discuss a partnership at his request, Jing Ran's true intention was never to collaborate, but rather to poach her to be his employee.
She found his behavior insulting, especially if his underlying motive was for her to stay in Rome simply to act as a "high-level nanny" for Aunt Bai. Zhen Zhen firmly stated that despite her fondness for Aunt Bai, she would not accept such an abuse of position and a fabricated job. Jing Ran was taken aback. Zhen Zhen returned to her hotel room, feeling disheartened.
She received a call from Shao Pengcheng, who demanded a report and reminded her that she was still being supervised, even abroad. Zhen Zhen thought to herself that she wouldn't report that Jing Ran wanted her to be a nanny, as she wouldn't give Shao Pengcheng the chance to laugh at her. Shortly after, Jing Ran appeared at her door, explaining that his mother had panicked when Zhen Zhen suddenly moved out and couldn't reach her by phone.
Zhen Zhen apologized for her impulsiveness, admitting she should have informed Aunt Bai, but maintained that she was on a business trip and should be staying at a hotel. Jing Ran then directly asked if she thought he was untrustworthy. Zhen Zhen countered, asking why he had invited her to negotiate if he never intended to work with Love & Family.
She pointed out that he had discarded her company's proposal the moment she turned her back, implying he didn't value it. Instead of defending himself, Jing Ran led Zhen Zhen to the St. Angelo Bridge. He explained his deep affection for the bridge, a structure that had endured for centuries and still exuded the essence of architectural art.
He revealed that his college thesis was on the bridge's design and that it was his greatest wish to study every detail of it firsthand. Zhen Zhen acknowledged this, stating she had researched his materials when Love & Family sought a partnership. Jing Ran then confessed that on her arrival day, he received an invitation from the city hall to bid on the St. Angelo Bridge's restoration.
This project was a lifelong dream he couldn't refuse, which was why he had to decline Love & Family's proposal, not out of disrespect or to waste her trip. Zhen Zhen understood and accepted his explanation, and Jing Ran offered to cover her trip expenses. Zhen Zhen then showed him pictures of ancient Chinese buildings like the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, emphasizing that classical Chinese architecture was deeply ingrained in his heritage.
She argued that a true architect could best express the relationship between architecture and people within their own country, where they share a common cultural soul with their fellow citizens. She urged him to consider returning to China to showcase his global talent at home, not just as an employee of Love & Family, but because she truly believed in his potential there.
Jing Ran countered that he had struggled for years in Italy, aiming to make China's voice heard globally, and felt it was his honor and responsibility to seize this cross-cultural opportunity. Zhen Zhen expressed her understanding, respecting his dreams and promising her unwavering support, wishing him success. Jing Ran thanked her. He then reiterated his sincere invitation for her to join his studio as a design assistant, believing in her abilities.
Zhen Zhen thanked him for his high regard but stated she also had her own goals. She apologized for her earlier misunderstanding. At the St. Angelo Bridge restoration bidding conference, Jing Ran asked Zhen Zhen why she was concerned about sitting in on such a serious matter. He replied that he deliberately arranged for her to witness this important moment with him. After architect Raffaele presented his plan, Jing Ran was invited to speak.
Jing Ran explained that Castel Sant'Angelo, a Baroque masterpiece, derived its name from a Portuguese term meaning "pearl with an odd appearance." He outlined his restoration project, emphasizing manual work from strengthening the bridge's fillers to sourcing raw materials entirely from the original marble to restore its authentic form and color. His presentation earned unanimous applause, and the lead judge expressed surprise and admiration for his deep knowledge of Italian culture despite being a Chinese architect.
Zhen Zhen congratulated Jing Ran, expressing her happiness at witnessing this moment with him, but then stated that it was likely time for her to return to China. Back in China, Shao Pengcheng awoke from a nightmare where Jing Ran and Zhen Zhen were intimately together, feeling startled and uneasy. Meanwhile, Aunt Bai visited Zhen Zhen, having struggled to find her.
She lovingly tried to persuade Zhen Zhen to stay in Italy, noting that many young people seek opportunities abroad, especially since Zhen Zhen spoke Italian so well. Zhen Zhen explained that her work, her family, and her friends were all in China, making it impossible for her to simply leave. Aunt Bai pressed on, questioning the stability of Zhen Zhen's job and suggesting her parents could visit.
Zhen Zhen reiterated that she was in Italy representing Love & Family to negotiate a partnership and couldn't abandon her responsibilities. To emphasize her point, Aunt Bai produced the succulent plant Zhen Zhen had given her, revealing that Jing Ran had gone to great lengths, navigated complex customs regulations, filled out numerous forms, and even hired a lawyer to bring it to Italy.
Aunt Bai interpreted this as a sign that Jing Ran genuinely wanted Zhen Zhen to stay and keep him company. Although deeply touched, Zhen Zhen politely declined again, explaining that betraying the Chairman's trust would go against her principles. Aunt Bai playfully called Zhen Zhen "silly" and "too honest." At that moment, a news report interrupted their conversation. A reporter on TV questioned the suitability of a Chinese architect renovating an Italian monument, playing a recorded audio clip.
Zhen Zhen was stunned to hear her own voice on the broadcast. She suddenly remembered meeting an architect on her flight to Rome who claimed to know Jing Ran, realizing he had been premeditatedly recording her. Simultaneously, chaos erupted in Jing Ran's studio. His colleagues were outraged by the news report.
Soon after, Jing Ran received a call from Ms. Acardi at the city hall, who apologized for the committee's final decision to reject his proposal, emphasizing it wasn't her personal opinion. Jing Ran angrily expressed his disappointment at such a "stupid decision" and the "racial bias" he perceived in Italy. His colleagues reacted with dismay, wondering who the woman in the recording was and what they should do next, confirming that Jing Ran's proposal had been rejected.
Feeling distraught, Zhen Zhen went to apologize to Jing Ran. She clarified that her remarks on TV were casual airplane conversation, taken out of context, and her true intention was simply that he could better express himself in his homeland. Jing Ran reassured her, stating he didn't blame her at all. Zhen Zhen, however, insisted on finding the Italian who distorted her words to demand an apology.
Jing Ran explained that the man, named Leo, was a popular Rome TV commentator and close to a rival company's boss, so a clarification wouldn't happen. He further elaborated on the underlying social issues: Italy, despite being historically welcoming, had recently seen rising xenophobia due to increased refugees, security issues, and a stagnant economy. He asserted that the TV report's reasons were superficial, and they would have found another excuse to reject his proposal anyway, regardless of her words.
He then smiled wryly. Zhen Zhen expressed surprise at the difficulties he faced establishing a business abroad. Jing Ran, accustomed to such challenges, observed that a Chinese person reaching the top of the art world inevitably attracted jealousy. Still feeling guilty, Zhen Zhen, after much deliberation, called Shao Pengcheng late at night for help. Shao Pengcheng, groggy from sleep, joked about her missing him.
Zhen Zhen dismissed his teasing, earnestly explaining that she had completely botched the Chairman's assignment and inadvertently caused trouble for Jing Ran. She implored Shao Pengcheng, calling him the best at handling difficult people, to help her find a solution quickly.
