Nice to Meet You Episode 26 Recap
> Nice to Meet You Recap
Gao Jie was busy preparing for her salon when she suddenly received an SMS message from the nursing home, claiming her mother, Pan Yue, had an accident. Gao Jie rushed away, leaving Master Zheng to cover for her. However, Master Zheng was also tricked into leaving the Custom Order Group's booth by a false report of problems. Gao Jie called the nursing home and realized she had been deceived.
Returning, she found Gao Hui’s group had taken over her exhibition space—a strategic diversion by the Inlay Group. Later, at a meeting, Mu Ziyun subtly mentioned the Custom Order Group's difficulties, but Yu Yi claimed his team was merely "saving the day." The Chairwoman, however, was suspicious, noting that the Custom Order Group, despite limited staff, wouldn't leave their booth unattended. Yu Zhi also spoke up in defense of Gao Jie.
Meanwhile, Wu Xiaoci, having gone to great lengths to invite the prestigious Mr. Antonio to the Rui Hua Grand Ceremony, urged Gao Hui to seize this opportunity to impress him. Antonio later visited Rui Hua, where Gao Hui tried to showcase her designs. However, he was particularly drawn to the Custom Order Group's Phoenix Crown and expressed interest in traditional Chinese designs.
Gao Jie seized the chance to present her Chinese-style pieces, but Antonio, citing a tight schedule and an international flight at midnight, could only commit to seeing the lead designer's show. Gao Jie, determined, refused to let the opportunity slip, vowing to prove that excellent work could make a master stay. Before the main ceremony, Yu Zhi found Gao Jie and showed her the ring she had designed, which he had discreetly purchased through an intermediary.
He praised her work, stating that her pieces focused on design and storytelling rather than just shiny stones, making them ideal as engagement rings. He affirmed his support for her pursuit of traditional Chinese jewelry. Gao Jie, emboldened, asked if he would replace Gao Hui with her as his "right-hand woman."
Yu Zhi, in turn, asked if her request stemmed from jealousy, reaffirming that Gao Hui was merely a business partner, and acknowledging Gao Hui's past manipulative tactics against Gao Jie. Gao Jie, understanding his unspoken hesitation, accepted his decision without pushing further. As the Rui Hua Annual Gala Ceremony commenced, Chairwoman Lin Xue delivered an opening speech. Following this, the Plain Gold Group presented their collection, a segment that ran significantly overtime.
This caused concern among Wu Xiaoci and Gao Hui, especially since Antonio was due to leave early. The Chairwoman prompted Mu Ziyun to expedite the Plain Gold Group, insisting that all groups, including the Custom Order Group, should have fair presentation time. Wu Xiaoci, however, determined to protect Gao Hui's spotlight, internally resolved to ensure the Inlay Group would not yield any time.
Backstage, Gao Jie meticulously prepared her models, stressing the lead model's crucial role in the Custom Order Group's fate. Meanwhile, Wu Xiaoci decided to send her groom model to prepare quickly for the Inlay Group’s show to seize available stage time. The Inlay Group then took the stage, with Gao Hui personally presenting their 'King's Heart' collection. Antonio expressed anticipation for Hui Xin's (Inlay Group's brand) new collection.
As Gao Hui prepared to take the stage, she discovered the backdrop had been unexpectedly switched to the Custom Order Group's display. Yu Zhi rushed backstage to find Chen Pinzhen, who, ignoring him, stated that Gao Hui's past actions were far more contemptible than Gao Jie's, and her current move was merely a justified retaliation. Chen Pinzhen then accused Yu Zhi of caring more about his own reputation as "Young Mr. Yu" than about Gao Jie.
Meanwhile, a smug Gao Hui waited backstage, but the Chairwoman sensed something amiss. It was revealed that the delay in the Plain Gold Group's segment had been orchestrated by Gao Jie, who had requested Mu Ziyun's help. The doors then dramatically opened, and spotlights illuminated Gao Jie as she confidently appeared before everyone, radiating splendor. Antonio noticed Gao Jie's work.
Gao Hui, enraged, intended to confront Gao Jie, but Yu Yi quickly intervened, reminding her not to damage Rui Hua's reputation and suggesting they could still recover if Hui Xin's jewelry was showcased later. Gao Jie began presenting the Custom Order Group's newest series, explaining that emeralds have been favored since ancient times, with even a Ming Dynasty Emperor considering them as precious as opals, which were often used in royal crowns.
She highlighted how heirloom jewelry, with subtle changes, can blend nostalgia with modern fashion, allowing them to "shine anew with their unique attractiveness." A customer, intrigued, asked if her mother's heirloom could be both classic and fashionable, to which Gao Jie affirmed it could.
She further explained that besides creating new designs, the Custom Order Group offers services to repair or redesign existing pieces according to personal needs, inviting clients to participate in the process and share their stories to personalize their jewelry. A customer remarked that the customization option was indeed appealing. Following Gao Jie's presentation, Yu Yi instructed a groom model to go on stage with Hui Xin's jewelry to deliver an advertisement, while Yu Zhi watched from a distance.
As Gao Jie continued to showcase her designs, Gao Hui glared from below. Suddenly, the stage lights dimmed once more. Instead of the groom model, Yu Zhi stepped onto the stage. Yu Yi confidently believed Yu Zhi would present a ring designed by Gao Hui. As Yu Zhi and Gao Jie slowly approached each other, he held a Hui Xin jewelry box. When he opened it, however, it revealed not Gao Hui's design, but a ring designed by Gao Jie.
Yu Zhi, serious and heartfelt, proposed to Gao Jie. Gao Jie was overcome with emotion, having believed he was there to display Gao Hui’s design. From the audience, Antonio cheered Yu Zhi on to kneel. Yu Zhi smiled as he knelt before Gao Jie, and the two exchanged confessions of love. Yu Zhi then gently placed the ring on Gao Jie’s finger, and to the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, they shared a kiss.
In the shadows, a furious Gao Hui and Wu Xiaoci watched, grinding their teeth. Gao Hui, unable to comprehend the situation, accused Gao Jie of being deeply manipulative and of seducing Yu Zhi after realizing her feelings for him. Wu Xiaoci, however, suggested that Yu Zhi was merely using Gao Hui. Yu Yi quickly followed Gao Hui out, telling her he had always believed Yu Zhi could keep his professional and personal lives separate.
Gao Hui suddenly understood that Yu Yi had been aware of Yu Zhi’s feelings for Gao Jie all along, feeling as though the whole world knew while she had been kept in the dark. Yu Yi urged Gao Hui to let go, but she stubbornly insisted that Gao Jie didn't truly love Yu Zhi and vowed to expose Gao Jie's true colors and win Yu Zhi back.
After the ceremony, Antonio congratulated Yu Zhi and Gao Jie, expressing great admiration for Gao Jie’s design and his intention to promote it upon returning home. Mu Ziyun was too stunned to speak, and Gao Jie subtly avoided her gaze. The Chairwoman, however, implicitly approved of Gao Jie and Yu Zhi's engagement. As Mu Ziyun approached Gao Jie, Yu Zhi, unaware of their complicated relationship, held Gao Jie’s hand protectively.
Later, Gao Jie and Yu Zhi encountered Wu Xiaoci, who almost physically confronted Gao Jie. Yu Zhi quickly stepped in front of Gao Jie, shielding her and stating that there was no deception between him and Gao Jie, warning Wu Xiaoci not to meddle in their personal affairs. Yu Zhi then calmly exposed Gao Hui’s past schemes against Gao Jie, appearing unconcerned by Wu Xiaoci’s threat to terminate Cilian’s contract with Rui Hua.
Yu Zhi then led Gao Jie to a secluded spot where Yan Kai had arranged fireworks. As the brilliant fireworks lit up the sky, Gao Jie was deeply moved. She told Yu Zhi that her life had been unremarkable before he came along, but meeting him had made everything exciting. Embracing him, she pledged her genuine love and desire to be with him, asking him to always believe her.
Later, Gao Hui was drinking alone at a bar when a man approached her. Yu Yi intervened, pulling Gao Hui into a hug and striking the man. Gao Hui, still hurt and feeling deceived, confronted Yu Yi, asking if he had only approached her because she was Wu Xiaoci's daughter. Yu Yi candidly admitted it. Meanwhile, Wu Xiaoci tried calling Gao Hui at home but received no answer.
Gao Hai, initially unworried, dismissed Wu Xiaoci's claims about Gao Jie seducing Yu Zhi as a misunderstanding, though he eventually grew suspicious himself. Separately, Gao Jie was reviewing orders with Master Cai, who playfully teased her about Yu Zhi. Just then, Yu Zhi called, and Gao Jie happily agreed to move back in with him that evening. The next morning, Gao Hui woke up in a hotel, recalling the previous night's events.
Yu Yi had brought her back, but she was still distraught and wanted to drink more, lamenting, "Why does Yu Zhi still not like me? What does Gao Jie have to make him so obsessed? I really don't understand." Yu Yi gently replied, "Maybe love is an irrational feeling. But I believe that love can still be nurtured. No matter what, as long as you keep loving him, he will fall in love with you, too."
Gao Hui questioned, "Is that true? But I feel like I am too tired. I'm so exhausted to just like him. Why can't he see all that I have done?" Yu Yi then comforted her, "Then don't tire yourself out anymore. Just try to see the people around you. You will realize that there is a person who has always been by your side and is willing to do everything for you. Including me."
Gao Hui, touched, asked him, "Yu Yi, why are you so good to me?" to which he confessed, "That's because I love you. I've been in love with you for a long time. So many years have passed, and I still love you. I love you, so I'm willing to be by your side. Even if I can't be in your heart, I'm still willing to be the person who accompanies you for the longest time."
Gao Hui then tearfully realized, "Yu Yi, why didn't I realize before? It turns out that the person who loves me the most has always been by my side." Yu Yi hesitated, "Don't say that you like me. Please. Don't say that you like me while you are drunk." But Gao Hui insisted, "Yu Yi, I like you. I like you." They then shared an intimate moment, their feelings blossoming after a night of shared vulnerability.
