Negotiator Episode 17 Recap
> Negotiator Recap
After a warm, traditional dinner, Tong Wei and Xie Xiaofei entered their reserved room at the guesthouse, only to find a single bed. Xie Xiaofei playfully claimed the bed, noting its comfort, which sparked a lighthearted argument with Tong Wei over who would sleep on the sofa. Xie Xiaofei theatrically worried about falling off and hurting himself, then insisted Tong Wei take the bed since she was a woman.
Their landlady, Rita, interrupted them to offer water and snacks, humorously noting that her husband had kept her on the phone too long. She wished them a good night, and Xie Xiaofei offered Tong Wei a glass of water, suggesting she shower first. Meanwhile, at Ke Wan Group, Zhao Chenxi forcefully entered a meeting between her father, President Song, and Song Haojie regarding the San Ya resort project.
She presented a climate report indicating that the project land was prone to typhoons and unsuitable for a resort. President Song, displeased, ordered Song Haojie to prepare a more detailed report, effectively halting the project. After Song Haojie left, President Song spoke with Zhao Chenxi alone, acknowledging her hard work for the company and expressing that he had perhaps been unfair in linking marriage to business. When asked if she still liked Xie Xiaofei, Zhao Chenxi admitted her feelings.
President Song advised her not to give up, attributing Xie Xiaofei's past arrogance to youth and emphasizing that both he and Xie Xiaofei's uncle believed they were a perfect match. He urged her to consider the bigger picture for her future within Xie Corporation and instructed her to pursue Xie Xiaofei. The next morning, the Hawaiian sun shone brightly. Tong Wei and Xie Xiaofei found a travel guide from Rita and decided to explore the island.
Their adventures included an ATV tour into the mountains, which Tong Wei initially found too dangerous but Xie Xiaofei confidently insisted they try. They then took a small train to visit the Dole Plantation and its pineapple-shaped maze. A guide explained that couples who found each other within 30 minutes would be destined for everlasting happiness. Despite Tong Wei's initial reluctance, Xie Xiaofei, after a playful kiss and a promise for its return, declared he would find her.
Inside the maze, they called out to each other. Tong Wei momentarily despaired, wondering if their connection was truly limited to three days, but Xie Xiaofei's persistent calls guided them. Their efforts were rewarded as they found each other at the exit, embracing. Xie Xiaofei triumphantly announced their love was now confirmed for eternity. However, Tong Wei's mood quickly shifted. She gently pulled away, reminding Xie Xiaofei that they were only "three-day lovers" and would part ways soon.
Xie Xiaofei's joy vanished, and he apologized, then declared that three days was too long and they should end their trip tomorrow. They returned to the guesthouse looking disheartened. Rita, noticing their expressions, asked Tong Wei what was wrong. Tong Wei found it difficult to explain, so Rita shared a humorous anecdote about a marital spat over squeezing toothpaste, emphasizing that even the happiest couples face daily conflicts, but women have a special way of guiding men.
Rita’s story brought a smile to Tong Wei's face. Later that night, Tong Wei found Xie Xiaofei pretending to be asleep. She began to tell him a story about how pearls are formed from irritation, connecting it to her own childhood. She recounted the ridicule and shame she faced after her parents' deaths, which drove her to excel and build a protective "shell" of hard work and achievement.
She confessed that since meeting him, she felt her shell slowly dissolving, and her greatest fear was being left vulnerable after three days, expected to pretend nothing had happened. Deeply moved, Xie Xiaofei apologized and suggested they stop talking about unhappy things, to which Tong Wei agreed. Meanwhile, in Shanghai, Tong Tiantian was at a bar, watching Sun Hao's band perform, encouraged by her friend Zi Xuan to confess her feelings.
As she prepared to approach him, another friend showed them a photo circulating online: an embarrassing picture of Tiantian from New York. Mortified, especially seeing Sun Hao smiling at his phone, Tong Tiantian quickly left. Back home, she frantically tried to contact Xie Xiaofei by phone, hoping he could get Song Ai Li to "like" the picture to make it appear fashionable, but Xie Xiaofei's phone was turned off.
The next morning in Hawaii, Tong Wei awoke to find Xie Xiaofei gone. Rita, sensing her concern, playfully had Tong Wei try on a grass skirt before leading her to the beach. There, Xie Xiaofei, also in a grass skirt, was waiting.
He danced for her and then asked her to say "I love you," explaining that Rita and her husband had started their relationship on that very beach, and he wished to do the same with Tong Wei, hoping they would be together forever. As the surrounding crowd chanted for them to kiss, Qin Tianyu suddenly appeared, calling Tong Wei's name and interrupting the moment. Despite Xie Xiaofei's protests, Tong Wei stepped aside to speak with Qin Tianyu.
He apologized for his past actions and complimented her on her newfound strength and gentleness, which she attributed to knowing she was loved. Qin Tianyu hinted at his own feelings, but Tong Wei acknowledged them while reaffirming her affection for someone else, explaining that not all love needed to end in a conventional relationship and that the memories alone were enough for her. She then decided to leave.
After Tong Wei departed, Qin Tianyu spoke to Xie Xiaofei, revealing that Mr. Song was willing to offer a generous collaboration deal for the Ke Wan project, including 40% shares and joint management, with no additional terms. Xie Xiaofei immediately rejected the offer, accusing Qin Tianyu and Mr. Song of trying to trap him into marriage with Zhao Chenxi. He defiantly declared his complete disinterest in Zhao Chenxi, stating that he only loved Tong Wei.
Qin Tianyu challenged Xie Xiaofei, arguing that by refusing the project, he was actually harming Tong Wei by exposing her to criticism at CAEA, where she had many rivals. He questioned if Xie Xiaofei had the ability to protect her, or if Tong Wei, a strong woman, would even want to be hidden behind a man. Later, Tong Wei returned to Xie Xiaofei.
She downplayed her conversation with Qin Tianyu, saying he simply apologized and that his past actions were perhaps understandable. She then informed Xie Xiaofei that both Ke Wan and Xie Corporation were keen to collaborate, and she intended to finalize the project upon her return to New York, offering him all the credit. Xie Xiaofei reacted angrily, insisting that his business was none of her concern, especially since they were going their separate ways tomorrow.
Tong Wei, weary of the argument, walked away, telling him she wanted to rest. Alone, Xie Xiaofei apologized to Tong Wei for upsetting her. He reflected that he had only caused her trouble and embarrassment since they met, concluding that perhaps completing this project was the last meaningful thing he could do for her.
