My True Friend Episode 33 Recap
> My True Friend Recap
A tearful Xi Shan arrived at Cheng Zhenzhen's apartment late at night, having nowhere else to go. Cheng Zhenzhen, concerned, welcomed her and listened as Xi Shan recounted her struggles with Fu Xiaoning. Xi Shan explained that she had always lived according to Fu Xiaoning's expectations, only to realize he never truly understood her desires.
She loved him for who he was, not for his money or a house, and found the idea of him fawning over other women for financial gain unacceptable. Cheng Zhenzhen sympathized and suggested Xi Shan talk to Fu Xiaoning, offering to call him, but Xi Shan felt they both needed time to calm down. Xi Shan then advised Cheng Zhenzhen not to make choices under external pressure, using her own experience as a cautionary tale.
She expressed her sincere hope that Cheng Zhenzhen and Shao Pengcheng's youth apartment project would succeed, demonstrating that dignity is possible without wealth, and that young people striving in Shanghai can find a sense of belonging even in rented homes. Cheng Zhenzhen pledged to make the project a success for all young people seeking a home in the city.
At the Love & Family Flower Garden branch, Luo Zu'er arrived looking for Shao Pengcheng, intending to organize a party for his promotion to deputy general manager. Fu Xiaoning informed her Shao Pengcheng was out, but Xi Shan, speaking coldly, stated that Shao Pengcheng would not attend. Luo Zu'er, sensing Xi Shan's hostility and recalling a previous argument about real estate speculation, directly questioned Xi Shan's relationship with Fu Xiaoning, noting they were not a couple.
Xi Shan then firmly told Fu Xiaoning that if he continued to invest in real estate with Luo Zu'er, their romantic relationship would end. Luo Zu'er was surprised to learn that Fu Xiaoning and Xi Shan were actually a couple. She then advised Fu Xiaoning that she would think less of him if he let a girlfriend hinder a money-making opportunity, suggesting that a man with wealth need not worry about finding a partner.
Xi Shan pressed Fu Xiaoning to choose, leaving him flustered. Luo Zu'er, stating she had no time for their squabble, left to plan Shao Pengcheng's party. Zeng Huimin reviewed Shao Pengcheng's files and, connecting them with earlier remarks from Mu Yunping and Shao Pengcheng's initial demeanor, realized that Shao Pengcheng was Chairman Shao's son. Shortly after, Zeng Huimin visited a despondent Mu Yunping at a bar, having heard from Director Yang about his office being reassigned.
She gently chastised him for concealing Shao Pengcheng's identity. Mu Yunping, bitter about his professional setbacks, felt like a fool and believed the entire company was laughing at him, especially after losing his office to the Chairman's son. Zeng Huimin reassured him, emphasizing that his hard work and capabilities were recognized, and that Chairman Shao would fairly balance their respective projects.
As they continued to drink, Mu Yunping expressed how alcohol offered an escape from life's frustrations, while Zeng Huimin echoed a poet's sentiment about the "sound of dreams shattering" over clinking glasses. Later, as Mu Yunping was escorting a visibly intoxicated Zeng Huimin through an alley, they shared a tender moment, culminating in a kiss on her forehead.
Just as he leaned in again, his phone rang; his nanny reported that his son, Mu Mu, had a high fever of 40 degrees Celsius. Mu Yunping apologized profusely and rushed home. Hao Meili, determined to become the spokesperson for the Great Love City project, spent the night at the Flower Garden branch meticulously rehearsing her presentation. The next morning, she was surprised to find Chairman Shao in the office.
She enthusiastically greeted him, discussed the project, and proposed a company-wide audition for the spokesperson role, advocating for fairness, democracy, and employee motivation. Chairman Shao acknowledged her dedication but informed her that the board had already selected Cheng Zhenzhen for the role. He cited Cheng Zhenzhen's suitable image, strong business abilities, understanding of the project, and her status as a grassroots salesperson as key factors.
He then urged Hao Meili, Shao Pengcheng, and Cheng Zhenzhen to collaborate on the project's success, assuring Hao Meili that the company would treat her fairly. Cheng Zhenzhen arrived, somewhat late, and apologized to Chairman Shao. Chairman Shao explained his visit was to persuade her to accept the spokesperson role, mentioning that Jing Ran had submitted her resignation, stating she would soon marry and become a housewife. Cheng Zhenzhen expressed surprise that such a "small matter" had reached him.
Chairman Shao, however, emphasized the critical importance of the Great Love City project and reiterated why she was the ideal candidate. After reflecting on her professional journey and the satisfaction she found in helping people find homes, Cheng Zhenzhen agreed to become the spokesperson, promising to excel in the role. Shao Pengcheng then arrived and, seeing his father, quickly led him away under the pretense of discussing "work matters" to maintain his anonymity.
While they shared an ice cream, Chairman Shao inquired about Jing Ran's submitted resignation for Cheng Zhenzhen and whether romantic entanglements among Cheng Zhenzhen, Jing Ran, and Shao Pengcheng would hinder their work on the project. Shao Pengcheng affirmed his ability to keep his personal and professional lives separate. When pressed further, he admitted to genuinely liking Cheng Zhenzhen but stressed that his recommendation for her as spokesperson was based purely on her suitability for the role.
Chairman Shao encouraged him to boldly pursue his desires without concern for the outcome. Later, at the Flower Garden branch, Hao Meili angrily complained to her colleagues about Cheng Zhenzhen being chosen as the spokesperson, insisting that more suitable candidates existed. Fu Xiaoning advised her against jealousy, highlighting Cheng Zhenzhen's sincere nature as a contrast to those who are "calculating and scheming."
Hao Meili retorted, calling Cheng Zhenzhen "deliberate and scheming," claiming she had captivated both Shao Pengcheng, who was "lost and confused, just circling her all day," and Jing Ran, who supposedly sacrificed a generous offer in Italy to return for her sake. Xi Shan interjected, telling Hao Meili to stop fabricating stories. Zeng Huimin, entering the office at that moment, inquired about the commotion.
Hao Meili then eagerly reported Chairman Shao's decision to appoint Cheng Zhenzhen as spokesperson, expressing her disbelief. Subsequently, while meeting a client, Hao Meili spotted Cheng Zhenzhen, Mu Yunping, and his son Mu Mu together, appearing like a happy family. Driven by jealousy, she discreetly took a photo and showed it to Zeng Huimin, insinuating that Cheng Zhenzhen was seducing Mu Yunping. Zeng Huimin dismissed her comments, advising her not to gossip about her superiors.
