My True Friend Episode 27 Recap
> My True Friend Recap
At Jing Ran’s home, Bai suggested that since her family had purchased the house, Cheng Zhenzhen’s family should contribute one million yuan for renovations, claiming this arrangement would respect etiquette and express love from both sets of parents. Cheng Zhenzhen’s father, though clearly displeased, subtly countered by suggesting that Jing Ran and Cheng Zhenzhen should discuss how to use the money as it was given to them.
Jing Ran immediately refused the offer, stating he could not accept their one million yuan for renovations. As Bai began to voice her unhappiness, Cheng Zhenzhen’s mother quickly excused herself to the bathroom, pulling Cheng Zhenzhen’s father along. Once alone, Cheng Zhenzhen’s mother warned her husband about Bai, calling her a difficult and calculating person. She expressed concern that if they invested money in renovations and the marriage ended, the money would be irrecoverable, citing the instability of modern marriages.
In another room, Jing Ran confronted his mother, asking if her suggestion to ask for money was inappropriate. Bai, deeply hurt, tearfully accused him of changing and no longer confiding in her about important decisions, such as buying the house or adding Cheng Zhenzhen’s name to the deed. Jing Ran tried to explain he thought she wouldn't mind, given her fondness for Cheng Zhenzhen.
However, Bai argued that adding names to a house worth tens of millions was a critical decision, not to be taken lightly. She clarified that her concern wasn't about the money itself, but her worry for his future, especially the complexities of asset division should their relationship ever change. Jing Ran heard footsteps outside and discreetly signaled his mother to stop talking. Cheng Zhenzhen’s parents then returned, and Bai enthusiastically detailed her plans for the villa's rooms.
She allocated the master bedroom to Jing Ran and Cheng Zhenzhen, the second bedroom to herself for convenience, and a third as Jing Ran's home office. The final room, she announced, was designated for her future grandchildren, as she eagerly wanted Cheng Zhenzhen to have many children soon after marriage to fill the home with life. She even suggested that if Cheng Zhenzhen’s parents visited, she would move into the grandchildren’s room so they could have her bedroom.
Cheng Zhenzhen’s father light-heartedly pointed out that there seemed to be no room for him and his wife. Jing Ran quickly interjected, explaining that he intended to convert his study into their guest room. Bai’s expression immediately hardened. Sensing the growing tension, Cheng Zhenzhen’s father quickly feigned his wife's tired legs and insisted they return to the hotel. Jing Ran had no choice but to drive them back.
On the way to the hotel, Jing Ran, sensing their unease, apologized for his mother’s strong personality and assured them he would personally design the house to ensure everyone had their own space. Cheng Zhenzhen’s mother re-offered the one million yuan as a small gift, but Jing Ran reiterated that there was no need, as he had already prepared all the necessary funds for buying and renovating the house.
Cheng Zhenzhen’s father then asked if the idea of Cheng Zhenzhen becoming a full-time housewife was Jing Ran’s or Bai’s. Jing Ran explained that after living abroad alone for a long time, he longed for a warm family. With his demanding work schedule, he hoped Cheng Zhenzhen could focus on home and family care, especially if they had a baby, leaving the financial responsibilities entirely to him.
Cheng Zhenzhen’s mother countered, stating that her daughter loved to work and was quite headstrong, implying that she would not be easily confined to a housewife role. Jing Ran promised to always defer to Cheng Zhenzhen and even hire several helpers if she chose to be a full-time housewife. Later, after work, Cheng Zhenzhen went home to talk with her parents.
Her mother advised her to carefully consider marrying into Jing Ran's family, describing Bai as oversensitive and domineering, and likely difficult to get along with. Her father added that while Jing Ran appeared cultured and well-balanced, he was fundamentally assured and domineering, much like his mother.
He warned Cheng Zhenzhen that if she married him, she would likely have to conform to their plans for her future, urging her to reflect on whether she could accept such a life, reminding her that she was their cherished daughter. Meanwhile, Shao Pengcheng met with his father, Chairman Shao, who had reviewed his project proposal for youth apartments.
Chairman Shao praised Shao Pengcheng’s unique analysis of the current real estate industry and the long-term lease model, but also highlighted areas needing more precise data and practical implementation strategies. Shao Pengcheng inquired if the project would be approved upon improvement. Chairman Shao challenged him to continue refining it, regardless of immediate approval, emphasizing that as his father, he wished for Shao Pengcheng’s success more than anyone.
Shao Pengcheng expressed gratitude for his father's feedback, asserting his confidence in the project and his determination to see it through, even if it meant finding outside investors. Unbeknownst to them, Mu Yunping had been eavesdropping outside Chairman Shao’s office.
Later, at a bar, a disheartened Mu Yunping encountered Zeng, the store manager, and complained that his hard work at the company still couldn't compare to the "crown prince's" (referring to Shao Pengcheng) "idle theories," implying that Shao Pengcheng was merely coasting on his family's status as he prepared to take over the family business. Shao Pengcheng spent the next two days showing Cheng Zhenzhen’s parents around Shanghai.
They grew very fond of him, commenting that he was even more thoughtful than their own daughter. On the day Cheng Zhenzhen’s parents were scheduled to depart, Jing Ran called to invite them to lunch. Cheng Zhenzhen's father accepted and informed Jing Ran that Shao Pengcheng would also be joining them, as he had been their guide. Jing Ran then called his mother, Bai, to tell her about the lunch with Cheng Zhenzhen’s parents.
Bai expressed her intention to join, but Jing Ran subtly discouraged her, claiming the restaurant was far and traffic would make the journey take over an hour. Reluctantly, Bai decided not to come, feigning that she had already ordered food from her hotel, but she was deeply hurt by the perceived snub. At the restaurant, Cheng Zhenzhen’s parents and Shao Pengcheng joined Jing Ran and Cheng Zhenzhen.
Shao Pengcheng thoughtfully removed cilantro from the table, knowing Cheng Zhenzhen disliked it, and served her parents their favorite dishes. Cheng Zhenzhen’s mother expressed surprise at his attentiveness, asking how he knew about Cheng Zhenzhen's preferences. Jing Ran's expression turned noticeably sour. To alleviate the awkwardness, Cheng Zhenzhen steered the conversation to interior design, prompting her father to ask Jing Ran about his concepts for Shanghai.
As Jing Ran spoke, he discreetly messaged his mother, but she neither replied nor answered his calls. Growing increasingly worried, Jing Ran abruptly excused himself, claiming an urgent matter required his immediate return. Cheng Zhenzhen, concerned by his distracted demeanor, followed him out and arranged for some food to be packed for him and Bai.
She asked if anything was wrong, but Jing Ran simply brushed it off, asking her to speak well of him to her parents as he felt he had not spent enough time with them. Outside the restaurant, Jing Ran found his mother, Bai, sitting alone at a noodle stall, looking dejected. She admitted she was in a bad mood and had no appetite. Jing Ran expressed regret for choosing a distant restaurant, implying it prevented him from picking her up.
Bai, however, confronted him angrily, stating she knew he hadn't wanted her at the lunch because he was trying to please Cheng Zhenzhen’s parents. She accused Cheng Zhenzhen’s parents of only looking out for their daughter, while she was the only one truly dedicated to his well-being. Seeing her distressed, Jing Ran quickly apologized for his shortcomings and distracted her by promising that he and Cheng Zhenzhen would treat her well and give her many grandchildren.
Bai's mood instantly brightened at the mention of grandchildren, and she excitedly declared she wouldn't mind the workload, wanting as many as possible to care for. That evening, Cheng Zhenzhen’s mother confided in her husband, expressing her concern about Jing Ran's distracted behavior during lunch and his general unavailability throughout their visit. She felt he didn’t seem as attentive as Shao Pengcheng, who had diligently spent two days with them.
Troubled by Bai's demanding attitude, she voiced worries about Cheng Zhenzhen's future if she married into such a family. She also observed Shao Pengcheng's affectionate gaze towards Cheng Zhenzhen and confessed that she wished Shao Pengcheng were their son-in-law instead, prioritizing her daughter's happiness with a loving, tolerant partner over a prestigious marriage. Cheng Zhenzhen's father cautioned her to speak softly, reminding her that their daughter was grown and would make her own decisions, and they should not interfere.
