Never Gone Episode 17 Recap
> Never Gone Recap
As school let out for winter break, Cheng Zheng prepared to celebrate Lunar New Year with his parents in Shanghai, while Su Yunjin headed back to her hometown. Cheng Zheng accompanied Su Yunjin to the station, where he presented her with a draft design from his architectural competition. He explained that although it wasn't expensive, it represented his vision for architecture, and he wanted to give it to her.
He acknowledged that her past words had made him realize he shouldn't pursue his dreams for others, but for himself. He added that it would be even better if he pursued them for someone he liked. He promised to prove it and encouraged her not to put too much pressure on herself, but rather to let his gift be a source of motivation for him.
Su Yunjin, initially annoyed but touched by his sincerity, took the drawing, acknowledging that his persistence had led her to opportunities she might have otherwise missed. Cheng Zheng wished her a safe journey and a Happy New Year, asking her to inform him upon her arrival. Meanwhile, Shen Juan decided to spend the Lunar New Year working at the company. His colleague remarked on his dedication, noting how young people like him put pressure on seasoned employees.
Shen Juan implied his youth gave him the energy to work so hard. Zhang Yue called him to her office and extended an invitation to a symphony orchestra performance on the 29th of the Lunar Calendar, mentioning that she would be at home with Cheng Zheng and her family on New Year's Eve (the 30th). She casually stated that she couldn't find anyone else to go with her, leaving Shen Juan as her only option.
Shen Juan accepted, assuring her he would handle dinner reservations afterward, knowing popular restaurants would be busy. In Su Yunjin's hometown, her mother and Uncle Ding discussed setting her up with Jin Zi, the son of their neighbor, Mr. Jin. Su Yunjin's mother highlighted Jin Zi's admirable qualities, mentioning that he studied in Shanghai, was two years older than Su Yunjin, and came from a reliable family of teachers.
Uncle Ding initially hesitated, citing Su Yunjin's young age as she was only in her second year of university. However, Su Yunjin’s mother, reflecting on her recent illness, expressed her concern for her daughter. She explained that after Su Yunjin's father passed away before she even entered university, she worried about her strong-willed and introverted nature, fearing Su Yunjin might never pursue a relationship unless given an opportunity.
Uncle Ding conceded, agreeing to visit Mr. Jin's family and arrange a meeting between the two young people, clarifying that it would simply be an introduction between friends. Upon returning home, Su Yunjin offered a sum of her savings to Uncle Ding to help repay their debts, explaining it was money her mother had given her for university. Uncle Ding initially refused, but Su Yunjin insisted, quietly urging him to accept before her mother, who was resting, could overhear.
Later, Uncle Ding awkwardly broached the topic of a boyfriend and mentioned her mother's matchmaking plans. Su Yunjin, embarrassed, denied having a boyfriend and expressed her disinterest in dating while still in university. Uncle Ding, however, gently pressed the issue, reiterating her mother's concern about her missing opportunities. Su Yunjin reluctantly agreed to "think about it." That evening, Uncle Ding (Ding Quan) called Shen Juan on the phone to offer a partial repayment of five to six thousand yuan.
Shen Juan politely declined, stating that the money wasn't urgently needed and emphasizing that Su Yunjin’s mother's recovery and their Lunar New Year expenses were more important. He reiterated that he lent the money to help their family and preferred that Uncle Ding repay it all at once when he was able. Uncle Ding then hesitantly asked if Shen Juan and Su Yunjin were in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship.
Shen Juan firmly clarified that they were "just good friends" and assured Uncle Ding there was no need to overthink it. The following day, Su Yunjin's mother subtly encouraged her daughter to address her relationship issues, and Su Yunjin, unable to refuse, agreed to meet the potential suitor. Mo Yuhua then visited Su Yunjin, bringing homemade snacks. After a brief chat with Su Yunjin's mother, Mo Yuhua confronted Su Yunjin about the blind date.
Su Yunjin resignedly said that her mother and Uncle Ding had already made the arrangements, so she would simply go. Mo Yuhua questioned why Su Yunjin wouldn't consider Cheng Zheng, to which Su Yunjin firmly responded that a relationship between them was "impossible" and he "wouldn't be an option." Mo Yuhua reminded Su Yunjin of her past relationship with Shen Juan, emphasizing that Cheng Zheng's genuine feelings for her were obvious.
She urged Su Yunjin to re-evaluate her feelings for Cheng Zheng, asking if she liked him "even a little bit." Su Yunjin, however, reiterated that she and Cheng Zheng were "not suitable." Mo Yuhua strongly disagreed, asserting that Cheng Zheng was "sincerer. . . to you more than anyone else" and questioning why she would choose a blind date over him.
Mo Yuhua then confessed her own struggle to give up on someone she liked, revealing her painful and impossible attempts, thereby expressing her understanding of Cheng Zheng's persistent affection for Su Yunjin. Meanwhile, Cheng Zheng and Zhou Ziyi were spending time together. Zhou Ziyi complained about being bored during the New Year, especially since most of their friends were gone, and voiced his disdain for his father's romantic life.
He noted a "qualitative change" in Cheng Zheng, teasing him about Su Yunjin's breakup with Shen Juan and joking that Cheng Zheng couldn't escape Su Yunjin's clutches. Cheng Zheng, however, said he was "not in such a hurry" and explained that the "new" Su Yunjin now provided him with "more motivation." Zhou Ziyi then stumbled upon a gift, a birthday present Cheng Zheng had received from Mo Yuhua.
He admitted to having "bumped into" Mo Yuhua on a date with a "ridiculous guy" and intervened, claiming the man seemed unreliable and that Mo Yuhua was "stupid" and easily fooled. Cheng Zheng playfully questioned if Zhou Ziyi was her "father, or her boyfriend." Zhou Ziyi vehemently denied any romantic interest, insisting he was merely upholding justice as a loyal high school classmate and couldn't stand to see his friend being taken advantage of.
Cheng Zheng lightheartedly concluded that Mo Yuhua was "stuck" with Zhou Ziyi, who dismissed it as an exaggeration. Just then, Zhou Ziyi's phone rang with a call from Mo Yuhua. He became flustered, denying any knowledge of Cheng Zheng's whereabouts and telling Cheng Zheng to leave. Cheng Zheng snatched the phone, and Mo Yuhua informed him about Su Yunjin's upcoming blind date at a town restaurant that noon.
Cheng Zheng immediately decided to intervene, flying to Su Yunjin's hometown to "block" Jin Zi. He instructed Mo Yuhua to pretend to be Su Yunjin and stall Jin Zi, assuring her that he would handle the rest. At the restaurant, Uncle Ding, who had accompanied Su Yunjin, was about to join her inside when Mr. Jin, Jin Zi's father, reassured him that the young people should be left to talk freely. Uncle Ding decided to wait outside.
Simultaneously, Mo Yuhua approached Jin Zi, introducing herself as "Su Yun Jin." She explained that the blind date was canceled because she had a boyfriend. To her surprise, Jin Zi revealed he also had a girlfriend and was only attending to make his parents happy. He suggested they walk around town to pass the time, so they wouldn't have to explain returning home early. Meanwhile, Cheng Zheng had already settled into a private room at the restaurant.
Su Yunjin walked in, shocked to see him there. She called him "annoying," but he insisted he was there to put her mother at ease. When she asked about Jin Zi, Cheng Zheng confidently stated he had "handled that." He then explained his plan: he had sent Mo Yuhua to meet Jin Zi, instructing her to impersonate Su Yunjin if she didn't find him appealing, or to proceed if she did.
Su Yunjin expressed doubt that Mo Yuhua would go along with such a scheme, but Cheng Zheng revealed that Mo Yuhua herself had informed him of the blind date, proving her loyalty and his good character. He then offered her a seat and ordered the pre-selected dishes. While Mo Yuhua and Jin Zi walked through town, Mo Yuhua confessed that she was not Su Yunjin but her friend.
Jin Zi, smiling, revealed he had already suspected as much, noting that if she were Su Yunjin, she would have gone directly to the restaurant. He admitted he enjoyed the stroll, as it helped them "waste time" before returning home. They then amicably parted ways. Back in the restaurant, Cheng Zheng eloquently explained his evolving perspective to Su Yunjin.
He acknowledged that while he had learned to pursue his dreams for himself, there were still things he did purely for her. He assured her that he could wait for her to be ready. He then emphasized the seriousness of marriage, advising her to avoid future blind dates, suggesting that her heart might already secretly belong to someone. He framed his intervention as "compensation" for her not accompanying him to Beijing and reiterated, "don't go on blind dates anymore."
Finally, he announced his intention to exit the private room, knowing that Uncle Ding would eventually have to see him, and that his appearance would clarify the situation. As Cheng Zheng stepped out, Uncle Ding, who had been patiently waiting, was utterly astonished to see him.
