My True Friend Episode 23 Recap
> My True Friend Recap
Cheng Zhenzhen contacted Jing Ran by phone to discuss some negative online rumors about the house he liked. She informed him that people online were saying the house was haunted. Jing Ran, however, was unfazed by such talk, stating he had already investigated and believed it was just a misunderstanding, as he was an atheist and didn't believe in ghosts.
The next day, Zhenzhen relayed Jing Ran's decision to Hao Meili, instructing her to proceed with contacting Lawyer Wu Qing to sign the purchase intent agreement. Zhenzhen also explained to Hao Meili that Lawyer Wu was selling the house to fund plastic surgery for her disfigured husband, a detail that contributed to the online rumors.
Hao Meili expressed her concerns about the house's potential resale value due to the "haunted" rumors, but Zhenzhen reassured her, explaining Jing Ran's plan to renovate the house completely after purchasing it. He believed that once redesigned by a famous architect like himself, the rumors would dissipate, and the property would be seen as a desirable home. Hao Meili, though still cautious, agreed to proceed given Jing Ran's confidence.
After Hao Meili left to contact Lawyer Wu, Shao Pengcheng approached Zhenzhen, cautioning her that Aunt Bai's opinion should be considered. He pointed out that Aunt Bai placed importance on feng shui and would likely not approve of a house with such rumors. Pengcheng emphasized that any mistake Jing Ran made would be overlooked by his mother, but Zhenzhen would be held to a different standard. Zhenzhen acknowledged the validity of his concerns.
Later that evening, she called Jing Ran again, sharing her worries about Aunt Bai's potential reaction. Jing Ran reassured her, stating that they should keep it from Aunt Bai for now. He planned to return in two weeks, renovate the house completely, and only then show it to his mother, confident that the new design would win her over.
He also revealed a more personal reason for wanting the house, explaining that seeing Zhenzhen moved to tears and smiles while discussing the Wu family's story made him want to be by her side and create their own love story in that home. Meanwhile, at the office, two employees gossiped about Zeng Huimin, mentioning her past relationship with a gambler who accrued large debts, and how his Hong Kong girlfriend caused a scene at the real estate agency.
Zeng Huimin emerged from the restroom, clutching her abdomen, her face pale. Mu Yunping noticed her distress and insisted on taking her to the hospital. Despite her reluctance to miss a meeting, he firmly led her away. At the hospital, Zeng Huimin tried to dismiss her symptoms as a simple cold, only wanting basic medication. However, Mu Yunping, treating her like a stubborn child, urged her to cooperate with the doctor.
The doctor recommended a blood test and a thorough check-up, explaining that frequent fevers suggest an underlying cause. Mu Yunping supported the doctor, emphasizing the importance of taking care of one's body. After the hospital visit, Mu Yunping drove Zeng Huimin home, ensuring she was settled before leaving. He left her medication and water, encouraging her to rest for three days and call him if anything happened.
He expressed concern that she was overworking herself, reminding her that people are not robots and that continuous exertion without rest would lead to collapse. Zeng Huimin reflected on his thoughtful care and his previous comforting words during her difficult time, feeling a new warmth towards him. Before Shao Jian woke up, Shao Pengcheng quietly returned home.
He placed a pair of cloth shoes he had bought for his father, Shao Jian, in the house and then slipped away before anyone could see him. Later, when Shao Jian woke up, Miss Zhang, his housekeeper, informed him that Pengcheng had returned briefly. Shao Jian initially assumed Pengcheng had come back to retrieve something, but then Miss Zhang showed him the cloth shoes. Realizing they were a gift, Shao Jian was touched.
Miss Zhang explained that Pengcheng was likely too shy to give them to him directly. Shao Jian tried on the comfortable shoes, a warm feeling spreading through him, and an irrepressible smile appeared on his face as he realized his son had grown up and was showing his filial affection. Jing Ran and Aunt Bai returned to the country. At the airport, Zhenzhen greeted them warmly, offering Aunt Bai homemade soup and reassuring her about the house purchase.
She described the house's location near their hotel, its pleasant surroundings, and highlighted that the owners were a scientist and a lawyer. Jing Ran interjected, jokingly reminding his mother that leaving the case to Zhenzhen meant she had nothing to worry about. Aunt Bai, however, asserted that young people couldn't think of everything. After arriving at the hotel, Zhenzhen made sure Aunt Bai was comfortable, arranging dinner and a massage session to help her relax from the long flight.
Jing Ran expressed playful jealousy, feeling overlooked since Zhenzhen had been solely focused on his mother. Aunt Bai, seeing this, told Jing Ran that she would leave Zhenzhen to him once she went to her room to rest. After Aunt Bai retired, Jing Ran took Zhenzhen to the hotel room's balcony, overlooking the river. There, Jing Ran revealed he had been counting down the minutes until he could see her.
When Zhenzhen started talking about Aunt Bai again, Jing Ran became visibly annoyed, interrupting her and saying he didn't want to talk about anyone else at that moment, not even his own mother. Zhenzhen looked at Jing Ran, surprised by his intensity, then shyly turned her gaze to the river. After a moment of silence, Jing Ran slowly moved his hand along the balcony railing towards Zhenzhen's, eventually taking her hand and holding it firmly.
He leaned in close to her lips. Startled, Zhenzhen suddenly turned her head, pointing out the boats on the river. Jing Ran, feeling awkward, quickly released her hand. The atmosphere between them became strained and unnatural. After a brief silence, Jing Ran gathered his courage, stepped closer, and kissed her on the cheek. Zhenzhen froze, flustered and unsure how to react, then quickly excused herself and left.
Jing Ran watched her retreating figure, a wry, almost helpless smile on his face. Zhenzhen, Jing Ran, and Aunt Bai went to Lawyer Wu Qing's house to view it. Wu Qing presented the spacious living room with good lighting and modern decor, then showed them the garden and a small study. Aunt Bai seemed pleased, expressing her happiness at the thought of grandchildren playing in the garden.
She even asked Wu Qing if Zhenzhen was Jing Ran's daughter-in-law, to which Jing Ran happily affirmed, and Wu Qing complimented Zhenzhen. Jing Ran even complimented Zhenzhen on her eye for design. Wu Qing then offered to show them the four rooms upstairs. As they ascended, Aunt Bai, having earlier noticed some unusual activity or sounds near the basement, lagged behind. Driven by curiosity, she discovered a passage leading to the basement and descended without telling Jing Ran or Zhenzhen.
In the dimly lit basement, she found numerous specimens and strange drawings adorning the walls. Her heart pounded with fear as a grotesque, ghost-like face suddenly appeared before her, terrifying her. Aunt Bai screamed for help. Jing Ran and Zhenzhen rushed downstairs to find a trembling Aunt Bai. Zhenzhen angrily confronted Wu Qing, demanding to know what kind of place this was. Wu Qing quickly explained it was just her husband's experiment room and she hadn't intended to scare anyone.
Aunt Bai, however, was adamant she had seen a ghost, describing how the door moved on its own and she saw a terrifying face. Zhenzhen questioned why the basement's true nature wasn't disclosed. Aunt Bai, still in shock, declared she couldn't stay and wanted to leave immediately. Aunt Bai, still severely shaken, vehemently declared that she could not buy the house.
She insisted that she had seen a ghost in the dark, scary basement, dismissing Wu Qing's explanation that it was her husband, disfigured from an accident and rarely seen outside. Aunt Bai then angrily demanded to know about the "bad rumors" Wu Qing had mentioned. Wu Qing reiterated that she had already informed Zhenzhen about the online rumors regarding the house. This revelation enraged Aunt Bai, who confronted Zhenzhen for withholding such crucial information, questioning her judgment and loyalty.
Aunt Bai argued that she wanted Zhenzhen and Jing Ran to get married, have children, and live a happy life, emphasizing the house's influence and the potential for bad feng shui. Zhenzhen apologized, admitting her fault in not considering the full implications and fearing it would make Aunt Bai uncomfortable. Jing Ran tried to defend Zhenzhen, taking responsibility himself and admitting he wanted to hide the truth from his mother.
However, Aunt Bai, feeling betrayed, turned her anger on Jing Ran, accusing both him and Zhenzhen of ganging up to lie to her. She lamented that he had changed since getting a girlfriend, believing he no longer needed his mother. Wu Qing then informed them that if they decided not to buy the house, the 500,000 yuan deposit would not be refunded, citing contractual terms.
She added that Aunt Bai's accusations of a "ghost" were an insult to her husband and her home. Aunt Bai was furious, claiming the house had problems and demanding the deposit back. Jing Ran, reiterating his atheism, argued that his mother had been genuinely frightened in her home, implying Wu Qing should take some responsibility.
Wu Qing, however, remained firm, stating she was a lawyer and would adhere strictly to the contract, which stipulated the deposit would not be returned if the buyer breached the agreement. Despite Zhenzhen and Jing Ran's attempts to reason with her, and with Manager Zeng (Zeng Huimin) also present, Wu Qing, feeling insulted, abruptly apologized and left. Aunt Bai, still agitated, turned to Manager Zeng (Zeng Huimin), demanding clarification on the deposit issue.
