My True Friend Episode 14 Recap
> My True Friend Recap
Cheng Zhenzhen urgently called Shao Pengcheng, explaining that she had not only failed her company's mission but had also inadvertently caused trouble for Jing Ran. She recounted everything that had happened since her arrival in Italy, pleading with Shao Pengcheng for his help to find a solution for Jing Ran. Though initially reluctant to help Jing Ran, Shao Pengcheng eventually relented, promising to take care of the situation.
Following Shao Pengcheng's instructions, Cheng Zhenzhen, dressed in a sexy outfit, arrived at a high-end Italian restaurant. She maintained a video call with Shao Pengcheng on her phone, which she discreetly placed in a flower basket on the table to record the conversation. As Leo, the journalist, entered and greeted her, Cheng Zhenzhen initiated a pre-planned discussion.
She pretended to be disappointed about Jing Ran's refusal to become her company's design director, stating that he was fixated on the Bridge of Angels project. She expressed her agreement with Leo's previous comments, questioning Jing Ran's ability compared to an Italian designer for the project. Cheng Zhenzhen then subtly shifted the conversation, praising world-renowned Italian architect Rafaelle and suggesting that he would be an ideal candidate for her company's design director position.
She made it clear that her company primarily sought a master designer, implying Jing Ran was not essential. Leo, flattered by her admiration, boasted that he was the only one who could persuade Rafaelle, even revealing his role as Rafaelle's "wire-puller" for projects like the Bridge of Angels. Cheng Zhenzhen then offered him a generous intermediary fee if he could secure Rafaelle for her company, further exposing his corrupt nature.
Shao Pengcheng, listening in on the video call, confirmed that their plan to expose Leo's collusion with Rafaelle was succeeding. After the dinner, Shao Pengcheng, noticing Cheng Zhenzhen's attire, playfully chided her for making the "entrapment too obvious" and told her to find a jacket. Later that evening, Cheng Zhenzhen rushed to Jing Ran's apartment, excitedly informing him that she and Shao Pengcheng had uncovered evidence of Leo's collusion with Rafaelle and had sent it to his email.
The next day, at the municipal hall's hearing, Jing Ran played the recorded video of Leo's confession. Rafaelle immediately protested, accusing them of invading his privacy. Cheng Zhenzhen boldly stepped forward, accusing Rafaelle and Leo of conspiring, asserting that Leo had previously distorted her words. She challenged them to release their full conversations, which they could not.
Despite the clear evidence of improper tactics, the municipal council announced that Rafaelle would still be the project's designer, citing the public's prior decision. Cheng Zhenzhen was furious, calling the decision unfair and discriminatory, but Jing Ran calmed her down, acknowledging the inherent "cultural barriers" they faced. Afterwards, Jing Ran consoled a disheartened Cheng Zhenzhen, explaining that he had anticipated such an outcome, as Italy could be exclusive towards outsiders.
He reflected on his search for a sense of belonging and a stable home, tied to his mother's presence. At dinner that night, Jing Ran's mother, Aunt Bai, suggested that Cheng Zhenzhen and Jing Ran accompany her to a community gathering at the Chinese senior citizen recreation center. Jing Ran initially declined, but Cheng Zhenzhen enthusiastically agreed. At the gathering, a Mr. Zhang, who ran a leather business, openly flirted with Aunt Bai, prompting Cheng Zhenzhen to playfully tease her.
Cheng Zhenzhen then helped Aunt Bai download Weibo, a social media app, and connect with her. Later, Jing Ran approached them, asking to "borrow" Cheng Zhenzhen. He led her to a piano and played a heartfelt melody as a gesture of thanks for her help with the tender. Aunt Bai, noticing their close interaction, captured a photo of them and sent it to Shao Pengcheng, who was in China.
After the party, Jing Ran drove Cheng Zhenzhen back to her hotel. He expressed his profound happiness at their reunion in Rome, saying she had made the city much more lovely for him. He encouraged her to seriously consider his offer to stay in Italy, but Cheng Zhenzhen remained quiet, conflicted by his invitation. Meanwhile, back in China, Shao Pengcheng arrived at the Garden Store, looking exhausted and troubled by Cheng Zhenzhen's situation.
Hao Meili, a colleague, tried to ingratiate herself by showing Shao Pengcheng online photos of Cheng Zhenzhen and Jing Ran together, implying a romantic relationship and suggesting Cheng Zhenzhen might not return. Shao Pengcheng, irritated by her gossip, firmly declared that Cheng Zhenzhen was his exclusive partner as an intermediary and that he found such online snooping distasteful. Shortly after, a large, opinionated family entered the store looking for a house, and other agents, anticipating a difficult client, avoided them.
Shao Pengcheng stepped up to take the case, summarizing their complex requirements for a house that was large, cheap, in a good school district, and close to the subway. Later, during a video call with Cheng Zhenzhen, he complained about the challenging new clients, a couple whose parents from both sides were contributing to the house purchase, leading to "one house with six opinions." Cheng Zhenzhen, understanding the common struggle of young couples affording homes, empathized with the family. She immediately offered to help Shao Pengcheng by logging into the Anjuke system to search for suitable properties for them.
