My True Friend Episode 32 Recap
> My True Friend Recap
Luo Zu'er confidently arrived at the Flower Garden branch, announcing her partnership with Fu Xiao Ning to flip houses. She declared her intent to outcompete Cheng Zhenzhen, stating she possessed money, networks, and intelligence. Xi Shan was shocked and questioned if this was Xiao Ning's idea. Luo Zu'er confirmed it was, explaining their plan to invest in properties in the Shanghai countryside. Xi Shan vehemently disagreed and returned the gifts Luo Zu'er had brought.
During the board meeting, Chairman Shao announced that Shao Pengcheng would lead the Great Love City project as its director. He explained the decision to temporarily halt investment in the first-hand real estate market due to government policies, but assured that the Great Love City project, focused on rental apartments, would proceed and would still require designer Jing Ran’s expertise and existing investors.
Mu Yunping expressed concerns about stopping the first-hand market, but Chairman Shao clarified that the Great Love City project offered an alternative. Shao Pengcheng then proposed Cheng Zhenzhen as the project’s representative, emphasizing her hardworking nature and suitability to represent young people in the city. Jing Ran immediately objected, declaring that Cheng Zhenzhen was his fiancée and would be resigning soon to prepare for their wedding, thus she could not be the representative.
Shao Pengcheng challenged Jing Ran, asking if this was Cheng Zhenzhen's decision or his own. Chairman Shao intervened, ending the discussion about the representative. In the hallway, Shao Pengcheng angrily confronted Jing Ran, questioning if he had Cheng Zhenzhen's permission to submit her resignation and accusing him of acting selfishly.
Jing Ran retorted that his actions were for Cheng Zhenzhen's happiness and warned Shao Pengcheng not to involve her in his "romantic games" or disturb her, urging him to be happy for her relationship. Shao Pengcheng countered that if Jing Ran truly cared for her happiness, he should consider her perspective. Shao Pengcheng called Cheng Zhenzhen to discuss her rumored resignation, but she was preoccupied chasing Xi Shan, who had stormed off after a heated argument with Luo Zu'er.
After Cheng Zhenzhen caught up, they met Shao Pengcheng and Fu Xiao Ning. Shao Pengcheng was surprised to learn that Xi Shan was Xiao Ning's girlfriend, not his cousin, confessing he hadn't realized their long-standing relationship. Xi Shan tearfully confronted Xiao Ning, accusing him of hiding their relationship to maintain his image with female clients and of making a major decision to flip houses with Luo Zu'er without consulting her.
Xiao Ning defended his actions, stating he only wanted to make more money for them. Xi Shan retorted that he was just using Luo Zu'er's money, effectively becoming a "sugar mommy's boy." Both Shao Pengcheng and Cheng Zhenzhen warned Xiao Ning against the risks of house-flipping, citing potential market bubbles in Shanghai's suburbs and the dangers of using a client's money. Cheng Zhenzhen urged Xiao Ning to consider Xi Shan's feelings.
Shao Pengcheng and Cheng Zhenzhen spoke alone, with Shao Pengcheng asking about Jing Ran’s attempt to resign on her behalf. Cheng Zhenzhen admitted that Jing Ran and Aunt Bai had discussed her resigning to become a housewife, but she had not yet made a decision. She affirmed her love for Jing Ran but stated that marriage felt distant, and she believed a relationship should involve mutual support rather than sacrifice or one person making decisions for the other.
She insisted that if she were to quit, it would be her own choice and not dictated by Jing Ran. Shao Pengcheng expressed his surprise at her potential early marriage to Jing Ran, but he respected her personal decisions. However, he also reminded her that they had co-created the Great Love City project from scratch, aiming to help young people find homes, and he wanted her to stay and finish it with him.
He revealed that he had recommended her as the project's representative, seeing her as a symbol of hardworking youth, and considered the project a shared dream. He reiterated that the final decision to stay or leave Love & Family was hers. Cheng Zhenzhen called Jing Ran, demanding to know why he had announced her resignation at the board meeting. He told her not to panic and that he would explain later.
Shortly after, Jing Ran met with Chairman Shao and formally submitted a resignation letter on Cheng Zhenzhen's behalf, explaining that as they were about to marry, she would resign eventually. Chairman Shao acknowledged Jing Ran's efficiency but pointed out that the company had proper procedures for resignation, requiring Cheng Zhenzhen to submit it herself to her branch manager.
Jing Ran justified his actions by saying he wanted to prevent gossip and negative morale that might arise if the Great Love City project, which was about to start, was affected by her direct resignation. Chairman Shao agreed to hold onto the resignation letter but firmly stated that the final decision regarding her employment still rested with Cheng Zhenzhen.
Meanwhile, the HR manager at Love & Family unilaterally decided to relocate Mu Yunping's office to accommodate Shao Pengcheng, who was now leading the Great Love City project. Mu Yunping expressed his displeasure but eventually allowed the move, stating he respected company decisions. When Chairman Shao discovered the unapproved change, he was furious with the HR manager, accusing her of currying favor.
He penalized her by revoking her bonus for the month and ordered her to personally explain the situation to Mu Yunping and restore his office. At the Flower Garden branch, Mei Li enthusiastically planned a celebration for Shao Pengcheng, though he clarified he could work on the Great Love City project from the branch and chastised her for using his status.
Store Manager Zeng then informed Cheng Zhenzhen that HR had called, informing him Jing Ran submitted her resignation to the Chairman. Cheng Zhenzhen, visibly angry, immediately confronted Jing Ran. She questioned why he had made such a significant decision for her without her permission, especially since their prior discussions on the matter had been inconclusive.
Jing Ran argued that he was thinking of their future, including his mother's health and plans for children, suggesting she become a supportive housewife while he earned money. He also brought up Shao Pengcheng's affections for her, implying their co-employment was inappropriate given their relationship. Cheng Zhenzhen vehemently rejected his actions, stating that their relationship issues had nothing to do with Shao Pengcheng.
She accused Jing Ran of trying to manipulate her in the name of love and declared that she would inform HR that the resignation was not her personal intention, leaving him stunned. Later, Jing Ran sat alone in his car, distressed. His mother, Aunt Bai, found him and tried to comfort him. He tearfully confided that he might have only been a "dream for when she was a young girl." Aunt Bai gently played music and stayed by his side.
Back in their apartment, Xi Shan reiterated her strong disapproval of Xiao Ning's involvement with Luo Zu'er and their house-flipping scheme, concerned about the financial risks. Xiao Ning accused her of not trusting his professional skills, his morals, or their relationship. Xi Shan responded that if he knew she "overthought," he should avoid actions that caused her worry.
She expressed contentment with renting as long as they were happy and safe together, insisting she didn't need a big house or vast wealth. However, Xiao Ning revealed his deep desire for a house, viewing it as essential for belonging and dignity, recounting a past humiliating experience where he felt belittled. He saw the house-flipping opportunity as his chance to achieve this. When Xi Shan declared she might never agree to his plan, Xiao Ning simply stated he understood. Xi Shan then packed her bags and left, later calling a crying Cheng Zhenzhen to ask for temporary shelter.
