My True Friend Episode 16 Recap
> My True Friend Recap
Jing Ran accompanied Cheng Zhenzhen to a high-end clothing boutique to choose an outfit for a cocktail party. Feeling a bit uneasy about the expense, Cheng Zhenzhen initially requested the cheapest dress. However, Jing Ran insisted that its worth was more important than its price. He selected an elegant dress for her, and when Cheng Zhenzhen tried it on, Jing Ran's eyes lit up. Cheng Zhenzhen, however, found it a bit "weird" and "extreme."
Both the sales assistant and Jing Ran assured her it looked beautiful and perfect. After Jing Ran paid for the dress, Cheng Zhenzhen asked him if he had ever given shoes to another girl before. Jing Ran thought for a moment and said he didn't recall doing so.
Cheng Zhenzhen then mentioned remembering someone giving her a pair of shoes in the past, a memory that seemed to relate to Jing Ran himself, and she felt a little disappointed that he didn't recognize it at the time. While Jing Ran was paying, Shao Pengcheng made a video call to Cheng Zhenzhen.
He eagerly shared the good news that the house designs Jing Ran created for the family of six were highly praised, leading them to decide on a purchase. However, his excitement quickly turned to concern when he saw Cheng Zhenzhen wearing an elegant dress, especially after she mentioned it was for a cocktail party with Jing Ran. Shao Pengcheng expressed his disapproval, calling the dress "weird" and "ugly."
He then reminded Cheng Zhenzhen of her solemn vow not to "daydream about him again" and accused her of going back on her promise. Cheng Zhenzhen, annoyed, quickly ended the call, cutting Shao Pengcheng off. Shao Pengcheng felt increasingly uneasy, lamenting that she made him worry too much.
He then recalled Luo Zu'er's advice that "when you like someone, you shall bravely let them know," and felt that her words "made a bit of sense," prompting him to decide to book a flight to Italy. Jing Ran and Cheng Zhenzhen arrived at a cocktail party hosted by his good friend and client, Mr. Satichi. Other guests were surprised to see Jing Ran, usually a "lone ranger," with such a "beautiful lady" and complimented them as a perfect match.
Cheng Zhenzhen introduced herself to Mr. and Mrs. Satichi, greeting them in Chinese, which impressed them greatly, as they also shared a love for Chinese culture and spoke some Chinese. During the party, a discussion arose between Jing Ran and Mr. Satichi regarding the design of an art gallery. Jing Ran advocated for a simple, contemporary style, while the Satichis preferred a classical Chinese Ming dynasty aesthetic, hoping to incorporate unique Chinese elements into the design.
To ease the growing tension, Cheng Zhenzhen offered to perform a Chinese dance, explaining it as a display of "China's art and grace." She removed her high heels and gracefully danced, captivating the entire room. As she danced, Jing Ran had a vivid flashback to his university days, recalling Cheng Zhenzhen performing a solo dance at a freshman orientation party.
He remembered her feet getting cut because she didn't have dance shoes, and how he had given her his athletic shoes then. After her performance, Jing Ran approached her, holding her high heels, and in a moment of recognition, called her "classmate." Cheng Zhenzhen was deeply moved, realizing he had finally recalled the past event. He then knelt down and gently put her high heels on for her. From that day on, Cheng Zhenzhen and Jing Ran's relationship deepened.
Jing Ran took on the role of Cheng Zhenzhen's personal tour guide, showing her around the beautiful streets of Rome. They spent days together, exploring various sights and enjoying local delicacies, creating many memories. One evening, they visited the famous Trevi Fountain. Cheng Zhenzhen was awestruck by its grandeur.
Jing Ran explained the statues, detailing the Ocean God, the two Water Gods, and the four women representing the seasons, and told her that all Italians believe wishes made there come true. Eager to try, they both closed their eyes and made a wish. Cheng Zhenzhen then revealed her wish was for Jing Ran to "change your mind and go back to China with me, and agree to Love & Family's request."
When it was Jing Ran's turn, he hesitated before saying his wish was to "meet someone I love and make a family," wanting to "see her every day when I go home, as well as our children." Cheng Zhenzhen laughed, surprised that someone like him would have such a wish, but Jing Ran simply expressed his desire to "make a perfect family." As Cheng Zhenzhen's departure date approached, Jing Ran remarked on how quickly time had passed.
He had already purchased two sets of thoughtful gifts – Italian-handmade leather bags and scarves – one for Cheng Zhenzhen and another for her parents, which left her feeling overwhelmed. He then shared the exciting news that Mr. Satichi had accepted his design proposal, marking it as his final project in Italy. Jing Ran informed her that after this project concluded, he and his mother would return to China.
Cheng Zhenzhen's eyes lit up as she realized this meant his return to China would fulfill her earlier wish: for him to accept Love & Family's invitation and work in the country. Overjoyed, Cheng Zhenzhen and Jing Ran went shopping for gifts for their colleagues at the flower shop. Cheng Zhenzhen picked out a scarf for Xi Shan and a coffee cup for Xiao Ning.
For Shao Pengcheng, she chose a dolphin pendant, explaining that he particularly liked dolphins and that it would suit him perfectly. Jing Ran observed her choice without comment. Back in China, Luo Zu'er attempted to reach Shao Pengcheng, but he deliberately ignored her calls. Determined, she cleverly approached a Vipshop delivery man and convinced him to "deliver" her as an "express delivery" to Shao Pengcheng's apartment.
Caught off guard by an unexpected package, Shao Pengcheng opened the door to find a triumphant Luo Zu'er, who greeted him with "Surprise! Cheng Cheng, never seen delivery man deliver a person?" He was visibly annoyed and tried to send her away, but she quickly spotted an electronic ticket to Rome on his table. Luo Zu'er immediately insisted on accompanying him to Rome, but Shao Pengcheng firmly refused, asking why she always had to be involved in everything.
He claimed he was going for work, but Luo Zu'er, seeing through his excuse, angrily confronted him, saying, "You don't even blink when you lie now. What do you mean work? I know you're going to find Cheng Zhen Zhen!" When Shao Pengcheng remained silent, Luo Zu'er, frustrated, stormed out of his apartment, warning him that he would eventually regret his decision. Feeling despondent, Luo Zu'er called Xiao Ning for company.
Xiao Ning, who was enjoying a quiet evening at home with Xi Shan, fabricating an urgent client meeting to see a house that night. Xi Shan, however, seemed to understand his true intentions, muttering to herself that he was likely going out to keep Luo Zu'er company again. Xiao Ning found Luo Zu'er at a nightclub, already drinking heavily.
She poured out her heart to him, confessing her heartbreak because "Shao Peng Cheng said he like someone else and doesn't want me," and insisted that Xiao Ning drink with her. As the night progressed and Luo Zu'er became increasingly inebriated, a few men tried to harass her. Xiao Ning quickly stepped in to protect her and, seeing how late it was and her state of drunkenness, decided to take her home.
