Negotiator Episode 22 Recap
> Negotiator Recap
After being verbally attacked by Xie Xiaotian and labeled a "moth" of the Xie Corporation, Xie Xiaofei angrily left the family, throwing away all his bank cards and vowing never to spend another cent of their money. Penniless and seething with rage, he lashed out at Tong Wei, who worriedly followed him through the dazzling New York night.
Feeling lost and disheartened, Xie Xiaofei was gently persuaded by Tong Wei to calm down, and she took him to a restaurant for dinner. While enjoying pasta, they were spotted by Xie Aunt, who happened to be dining at the same restaurant. She approached their table, sneering at "President Fei" for now eating simple pasta instead of his usual high-end steak.
Tong Wei, angered by Xie Aunt's condescending remarks, fiercely defended Xie Xiaofei, criticizing her as a senior for her unbecoming behavior and pointing out that her "First Lady" title, gained by marrying Xie Tiancheng, was nothing to brag about. Xie Aunt, speechless with fury, could only threaten to report them to Xie Tiancheng.
Undeterred, Xie Xiaofei defiantly declared that the old Xie Xiaofei, who only ate M9 steak, was dead; the new Xie Xiaofei would eat anything to fill his stomach and would reclaim everything that was rightfully his. After dinner, Xie Xiaofei took Tong Wei to a boxing gym, hoping to find some solace or opportunity. He greeted a former opponent he had defeated, only to be met with anger.
The opponent revealed that all of Xie Xiaofei's past victories had been bought by Manager Ou, leaving Xie Xiaofei utterly shattered and feeling worthless. To comfort him, Tong Wei led him to a rooftop, sharing her own struggles when she first joined CAEA. She recounted how she doubted her abilities after half a year without closing a single project, but her perseverance ultimately led to her current success.
She urged him not to give up and to mend his relationship with his father. Persuaded by Tong Wei, Xie Xiaofei visited Xie Tianyou in the hospital. His father, offering him a document, revealed his long-standing support for Xie Xiaofei's eco-resort dream. He explained that the internal complexities of Xie Corporation were unsuitable for such a venture, so he had secretly registered a new company and acquired land to help Xie Xiaofei realize his vision independently.
Instead of relief, Xie Xiaofei was deeply moved by his father's silent efforts to protect him. This newfound understanding galvanized him, shifting his focus from simply moving on to a resolute decision: he would return to China to find Tommy Cai and reclaim Xie Corporation. The years of discord between Xie Xiaofei and his father began to heal, and the once rebellious young master committed himself to fighting for his family.
Meanwhile, after days of solitude and reflection, Zhao Chenxi decided to heed Yang Xiao's advice and let go of her ambition to fight against Song Haojie. However, upon reactivating her phone, she immediately learned of the unexpected changes among Xie Corporation's executives. Concerned, she confirmed the news and called Xie Tianyou to check on him. Yang Xiao, observing her renewed worry for Xie Xiaofei, chastised her for contradicting her recent decision to detach herself.
Despite knowing Xie Xiaofei did not reciprocate her feelings, Zhao Chenxi found herself unable to ignore his predicament. Returning from her retreat, she promptly contacted Qin Tianyu, informing him of the upheaval at Xie Corporation. She candidly proposed an alliance: she desired Xie Xiaofei, and Qin Tianyu still harbored feelings for Tong Wei, suggesting they could achieve their respective goals by working together.
As the family meeting at Xie Corporation proceeded in New York, Xie Xiaofei and Tong Wei prepared to fly back to China. Before their departure, they visited Xie Tianyou's hospital room, but Xie Xiaofei hesitated at the doorway, unable to bring himself to say goodbye. He then went to his mother's room, only leaving with Tong Wei after Manager Ou reassured him that his mother would be well cared for.
Their journey from New York to Shanghai was starkly different this time. Sitting in an uncomfortable economy class, Xie Xiaofei lamented his penniless state. Tong Wei, however, gently encouraged him, asserting that money was merely an external possession. She affirmed that she loved him for his inherent kindness and courage. Upon their arrival in Shanghai, they were surprised to find Qin Tianyu waiting at the airport to pick them up.
Qin Tianyu casually put his arm around Tong Wei as they walked, igniting Xie Xiaofei's jealousy. Refusing to yield, Xie Xiaofei adamantly declined to ride in Qin Tianyu's car. To pacify Xie Xiaofei, Tong Wei opted to take a taxi with him. Arriving at a hotel, Xie Xiaofei realized he had no money and was unwilling to burden Tong Wei further. Understanding his pride but unwilling to let him wander homeless, Tong Wei took him back to her own apartment.
Tong Tiantian, who had just heard about Xie Xiaofei's bankruptcy from Qin Tianyu, immediately began teasing him upon his arrival. Xie Xiaofei felt deeply humiliated by his dependent situation, but Tong Wei patiently advised him on the importance of being adaptable and resilient in difficult times. Swallowing his pride, Xie Xiaofei decided to stay. Later, in the living room, Tong Tiantian, her uncle, and aunt discussed Xie Xiaofei's situation, unsure if he was genuinely wealthy or merely a fallen noble.
Tong Tiantian's aunt, upon hearing that Xie Xiaofei's family was indeed in trouble, immediately changed her attitude. Her initial warmth vanished, replaced by open disdain, and she declared her intention to kick Xie Xiaofei out of their home. Meanwhile, Tong Wei and Xie Xiaofei discussed his father's old photograph of Tommy Cai, the secret partner. Xie Xiaofei expressed frustration, wondering how he could find someone from a 30-year-old picture.
Tong Wei thoughtfully suggested that the difficulty itself might be an advantage, as it would likely deter Xie Tiancheng from finding him first. She further analyzed the photo, pointing out the man's Western attire in the 1980s, suggesting he might be a foreign citizen of Chinese descent or an exchange student.
Xie Xiaofei decided to ask Luo Bin for help, given his extensive network, while Tong Wei pledged to have her colleague, Shan Shan, ask Lao Qi to also keep an eye out. During a late-night craving, Xie Xiaofei discovered Tong Tiantian secretly snacking in the kitchen. He teased her, suggesting she was running away from home, but she confessed she was just hungry and wanted a midnight snack.
Promising to keep her secret, Xie Xiaofei joined her at a popular snack bar. He further teased her about looking for boys, which led her to admit her crush on a handsome guitarist. To her delight, Xie Xiaofei helped her strike up a conversation with the musician, whom Tong Tiantian recognized from school. They exchanged contact information. Later, Tong Tiantian lightheartedly called Xie Xiaofei and Tong Wei "homeless and miserable" given Xie Xiaofei's drastic change in fortune.
Tong Wei clarified that she loved Xie Xiaofei for his character, not his wealth, while Tong Tiantian retorted that his initial wealth was precisely why Tong Wei noticed him. Tong Tiantian then mused if Tong Wei regretted not marrying Qin Tianyu, but Tong Wei firmly stated that even without Xie Xiaofei, she would not have married Qin Tianyu.
She revealed that she felt "afraid" of what her life would have been without Xie Xiaofei—a comfortable but boring existence where she might have mistaken familial affection for true love. She was grateful for the chance to fight alongside him. Tong Wei then asked Tong Tiantian for help in finding Tommy Cai, sending her the old photograph. Tong Tiantian was skeptical about finding someone with such limited information but eventually agreed to ask her influential contact, Lao Qi, for assistance.
Later, Luo Bin offered Xie Xiaofei a suite at his club, stating that he couldn't stand the idea of Xie Xiaofei living with Tong Wei's "nosy relatives." Xie Xiaofei initially refused, reluctant to owe anyone more favors, but Luo Bin insisted, reminding him of his existing debts and expressing his confidence in Xie Xiaofei's ability to make a comeback. He pledged continued support, offering to cover Xie Xiaofei's room and board.
Xie Xiaofei, deeply touched, acknowledged Luo Bin as a true friend. Luo Bin then mentioned that Zhao Chenxi had been the one to inform him of Xie Xiaofei's plight and asked him to help. Just then, Zhao Chenxi walked in. She echoed Luo Bin's offer of help, but Xie Xiaofei firmly declined, stating that Luo Bin was his friend, but she was not.
Zhao Chenxi, with a hint of sarcasm and resignation, acknowledged that she had "given up hope" for their romantic relationship. She promised to simply be his friend, vowing to abandon her "undivided thoughts" and not interfere with his relationship with Tong Wei. Xie Xiaofei, pleased by her apparent change of heart, accepted her offer of friendship and agreed to include her in his plans to regain power.
Soon after, Xie Xiaofei spoke with Tong Wei over the phone, telling her that Luo Bin was a good friend. He then experienced the harsh reality of Song Haojie's influence firsthand. Song Haojie arrived at Luo Bin's club and, in Xie Xiaofei's presence, brutally ruined the bar as a demonstration of power.
He then explicitly threatened Luo Bin, warning that he would destroy Luo Bin's business and jeopardize his father's cooperation with Ke Wan Corporation if Luo Bin continued to harbor Xie Xiaofei. Unwilling to burden his friend and witness further destruction, Xie Xiaofei defiantly told Song Haojie he was leaving and expressed disgust at Song Haojie's actions and his accusation that Luo Bin's help was an "act."
Later that night, Xie Xiaofei summoned Tong Tiantian, who demanded to know why he had called her out in the middle of the night. Xie Xiaofei admitted he had no place to stay, attempting to explain that he had left Luo Bin's to protect his friend from Song Haojie's threats. Tong Tiantian, however, remained skeptical, teasing him about his earlier boast of having "three thousand nails" even if his ship was damaged.
He confessed his embarrassment about telling Tong Wei the full story. He then gave Tong Tiantian his expensive watch, asking her to sell it for twenty to thirty thousand yuan, and jokingly offered her a commission if she would stop helping Qin Tianyu. Tong Tiantian refused, declaring she would remain neutral in their competition for Tong Wei's affection. Xie Xiaofei later met Tong Wei, who asked him about his stay at Luo Bin's.
Xie Xiaofei, trying to hide the truth about Song Haojie's threats, joked that Luo Bin had not only given him a room but also found him a "wife." Tong Wei played along, teasing him about having children with his new "wife." Xie Xiaofei then confessed he was only joking, reiterating his love for her and claiming he decided to follow her instead.
Tong Wei, still unaware of the full extent of his troubles, suggested he shouldn't stay at Luo Bin's anyway, citing the potential for conflict between Luo Bin and herself. Xie Xiaofei agreed to her suggestion, subtly hinting at the difficulties Luo Bin had faced but still not revealing the true reason for his departure. It was Tong Wei's birthday. Xie Xiaofei was surprised she hadn't mentioned it.
She playfully brushed it off, saying his presence was the best gift, and jokingly asked for a genuine smile from him. At work, Tong Wei and Yang Xiao discussed the "18 Secrets" project. Yang Xiao reported that President Chen remained committed to collaborating with Xie Corporation, despite the recent executive changes.
However, he complained about the new management under Xie Tiancheng, who had overturned Xie Xiaofei's original agreements and made unreasonable demands, though Yang Xiao assured Tong Wei he had "taken care of it." He lamented that Xie Tiancheng's people were even more troublesome than Xie Xiaofei. Later, Tong Wei received a call from President Zhou, her superior. After congratulating her on her birthday, President Zhou sternly questioned her involvement in helping Xie Xiaofei against Xie Tiancheng.
He reminded her that Xie Corporation was a long-standing client of CAEA and that her actions, in supporting an "outsider" against the current executive in charge, were not private matters and could bring trouble to the company. Tong Wei maintained that Xie Tiancheng had seized control through unjust means, but President Zhou insisted it was not their role to enforce justice and warned her not to let her "private interests" compromise CAEA's reputation.
