Negotiator Episode 9 Recap
> Negotiator Recap
Xie Xiaofei, persistent in his attempts to apologize, tried to engage Tong Wei as she was leaving her house. Despite his earnestness, Tong Wei, fed up, ignored him and went back inside. Undeterred, the next morning, Xie Xiaofei followed her to a boxing gym, where he playfully urged her to take out her anger on him. Tong Wei retorted that he wasn't worth her effort and walked away.
Still, Xie Xiaofei continued to pursue her, even getting into her car and refusing to leave, compelling her to drive him home. Once at her apartment, he feigned stomach pain to gain entry, claiming he needed to use her washroom. While Tong Wei was out, her step-sister, Tian Tian, routinely rummaged through Tong Wei's room, trying on her clothes and makeup.
During one such intrusion, Tian Tian discovered an antique fountain pen in Tong Wei's drawer—a treasured keepsake from her parents' tenth wedding anniversary. Unaware of its sentimental or monetary value, Tian Tian impulsively took the pen and sold it for a mere two thousand yuan at a pawn shop. Upon returning home, Tong Wei found Tian Tian's phone in her room, confirming her step-sister's presence. When she noticed her fountain pen was missing, she confronted Tian Tian.
Despite Tian Tian's initial denial, Tong Wei used the recovered phone as evidence, forcing Tian Tian to confess. Tian Tian defiantly admitted to selling the pen, expressing her deep-seated hatred for Tong Wei and her deliberate act of spite. Overhearing the commotion from the bathroom, Xie Xiaofei realized Tian Tian was a fan of the celebrity Song Ai Li. He strategically offered Tian Tian a video call with Song Ai Li in exchange for the antique shop's name.
Tong Wei and Xie Xiaofei immediately headed to the antique shop. The owner, delighted with his cheap acquisition, refused to sell the pen back, dismissing Tong Wei's explanation about her sister. Xie Xiaofei pulled Tong Wei aside to calm her down, then re-entered the shop alone. He sincerely explained the pen's profound sentimental value to Tong Wei and offered a generous deal: he would procure ten rare fountain pens from abroad for the owner in exchange for Tong Wei's pen.
Impressed by Xie Xiaofei's sincerity, the owner relented and sold the pen back to him at the original price. As they left the shop, Qin Tianyu arrived, having been alerted by Tian Tian, who also hinted at Tong Wei and Xie Xiaofei's close proximity. Tong Wei offered to treat Xie Xiaofei to a celebratory meal. However, Qin Tianyu, visibly displeased, suggested a restaurant he knew, prompting a tense standoff between the two men.
Xie Xiaofei, openly jealous, insisted on a private dinner with Tong Wei, claiming his right to her time. In the heated exchange, both Xie Xiaofei and Qin Tianyu openly declared their feelings for Tong Wei and vowed to compete fairly for her. Feeling overwhelmed by the absurd display, Tong Wei left them both. Determined to have Tong Wei rejoin the project, Xie Xiaofei made a phone call to his father, Xie Tianyou.
He promised to take the Ke Wan project seriously and ensure victory, but only on the condition that Tong Wei be reinstated as the lead negotiator. Xie Tianyou, surprised by his son's sudden commitment, agreed to the terms. Intrigued by the woman who could motivate his son, he instructed his assistant, Uncle Ou, to have Xiao Tian investigate Tong Wei's background. Later, Xie Xiaofei called Tong Wei, fabricating an urgent translation task to lure her out.
When she arrived, he confessed it was a ruse and drove her towards Suzhou. During the drive, as Tong Wei slept, he almost kissed her, but she awoke just in time. The clear skies hung over the overgrown land where Xie Xiaofei's cherished childhood memories resided. He shared with Tong Wei his joyful days playing at his grandmother's house in the countryside when he was five years old, regretting he couldn't stay longer.
He recalled his grandmother preparing "crunchy rice" for him and his excitement over catching crabs. After returning to the U. S. , he fell ill due to a virus infection from poor hygiene, making his mother angry and preventing future visits. Since his grandmother's passing and his mother's subsequent illness, this land became his dream. He envisioned transforming it into an ecological resort, distinct from Xie's 18 Hideaways, brimming with love and warmth.
He explained that while Xie's 18 Hideaways offered luxury, it lacked human emotion and love, which meant nothing to him without it. Tong Wei, touched by his heartfelt dream, told him it was wonderful and she wished to be his first guest. Xie Xiaofei then revealed that after spending two years diligently acquiring the land, it was secretly sold by his father, Xie Tianyou, whom he had believed supported his dream.
Feeling betrayed, he confessed this was why he intentionally messed up the first round of negotiations. He earnestly asked Tong Wei to forgive his past actions, explaining that he had purposely sabotaged the negotiation to retaliate against his father. Tong Wei was visibly moved by the usually playful Xie Xiaofei now calmly recounting his dream and inner turmoil. At Mr. Song's invitation, Zhao Chenxi arrived at the Song family home with Qin Tianyu.
Before entering, Zhao Chenxi spotted Song Haojie and quickly explained his past "good deeds" to Qin Tianyu, who was unfamiliar with him. Upon joining the dinner, Song Haojie immediately steered the conversation to the Xie Corporation project, aiming to make Zhao Chenxi uncomfortable. Zhao Chenxi proudly stated that her team had achieved an "overwhelming victory" in the first round of negotiations.
However, Song Haojie then dropped a surprising piece of news that shocked both Zhao Chenxi and Qin Tianyu: Tong Wei had been urgently recalled to the project team the previous night. Zhao Chenxi was astonished that she was unaware of such a significant development, while Song Haojie knew, sensing a growing threat from her brother. When her father suggested she consult Song Haojie with any project questions, Zhao Chenxi was particularly annoyed.
Determined to prevent Song Haojie from interfering, she told Qin Tianyu, "I will take care of Xie Xiaofei. You take care of Tong Wei. I need to win completely on this project." Back in his office, Qin Tianyu was lost in thought about Tong Wei's unexpected return. He made a phone call to Xia Shanshan for information, who mentioned that she had loudly scolded Xie Xiaofei on his behalf earlier.
Meanwhile, Shang Bichen, while seeing off a client at the law firm, signed for a package for Qin Tianyu. Qin Tianyu was delighted to find it was Tong Wei's notebook, which he had been looking for. In his good mood, he invited Shang Bichen to dinner. During their meal, Qin Tianyu sensed Shang Bichen's insecurity and offered advice on how to build confidence and maintain her professional image. Shang Bichen, grateful for his guidance, then inquired about his private life.
Qin Tianyu candidly shared that he did not have a girlfriend but might soon, causing Shang Bichen, who held feelings for him, to feel a mix of joy and sadness. As he described the person he liked, Shang Bichen became visibly disheartened. Suddenly, Qin Tianyu leaned closer, gently removing a stray strand of hair from her shoulder, and reminded her that a lawyer must always maintain their image. Qi Ruhai picked up Xia Shanshan.
She excitedly asked if her new nails were pretty, to which he honestly replied "average." He then presented a ring, proposing marriage. Tears welled up in Xia Shanshan's eyes as she gratefully embraced him. Concurrently, Tong Wei received a text message from Xie Xiaofei asking her to be his girlfriend, but she once again rejected his advance. After her vacation, Tong Wei returned to the office, radiant in a bright red coat, greeted warmly by her colleagues.
She messaged Xie Xiaofei, reminding him of a 10 AM meeting and urging him not to be late. However, Li Xiangzhong from Xie's Corporation soon arrived to inform Tong Wei that Xie Xiaofei had formally withdrawn from the project, providing the reasons. Though she had some prior knowledge, Tong Wei was still surprised by the news. Immediately after the meeting, Tong Wei drove swiftly to Xie Xiaofei's hotel.
Tong Wei found Xie Xiaofei, attempting to persuade him to rejoin the project. He retorted that he had only joined because of her, and since she "hated" him, there was no longer any reason for him to stay. Tong Wei, a rational person, believed in separating feelings from work, but Xie Xiaofei insisted that for him, dreams were intertwined with emotions.
As he packed his bags, intent on leaving the place that had caused him pain, Tong Wei, in a moment of desperation to keep him, blurted out, "I like you!" Elated, Xie Xiaofei immediately turned back and pulled out a recording pen from his pocket. He had been prepared, recording her confession to prevent her from denying it. Tong Wei, however, was not as joyous, reminding him of CAEA's unofficial rule prohibiting romantic relationships between employers and employees.
Xie Xiaofei dismissed this as a non-issue, suggesting they keep their relationship secret, and used the recording as leverage. As Tong Wei tried to snatch the recording pen, she stumbled and accidentally fell into his arms. Xie Xiaofei seized the moment, proclaiming her his girlfriend. Despite her usual rationality, Tong Wei found herself surrendering to her true feelings.
Under the vibrant neon lights of Shanghai at night, Xie Xiaofei's mood was as colorful as the city as he took Tong Wei to a bar for a celebratory date. Tong Wei, opening up, confessed to Xie Xiaofei that their trip to Suzhou had completely changed her perception of him. Delighted, Xie Xiaofei leaned in and embraced her. Just then, Tong Wei spotted someone who resembled Xiao Xiang and quickly pulled Xie Xiaofei under the table.
Once she confirmed it wasn't Xiao Xiang, Xie Xiaofei emerged, annoyed by the need for such a secretive relationship. Tong Wei, however, remained worried, feeling that her usually disciplined life was spiraling out of control since meeting him. She expressed concerns that their relationship would bring many complications. To reassure his new girlfriend, Xie Xiaofei promised he would ensure no one found out about their relationship and that he wouldn't cause her any trouble.
