Nice to Meet You Episode 40 Recap
> Nice to Meet You Recap
Gao Jie was consumed by self-reproach, fearing that Si Cheng's Shui Zhiyao studio would collapse because of her actions. She confided in her mother, Pan Yue, expressing her belief that she brought bad luck to those who cared for her, especially now with Si Cheng's company facing immense trouble due to the Paraiba design. She worried the studio might have to pay a large compensation, leading to its downfall.
Hearing her daughter's distress, Pan Yue brought out her piggy bank, offering it to Gao Jie and telling her it was for her, with a reminder to pay her back. Gao Jie accepted with a helpless smile, promising she would. Meanwhile, Grandma Yu summoned Yu Zhi and Yu Yi to discuss the company's equity shares. She revealed that Fancy had acquired shares from Zhou Weiqian and their father.
Yu Zhi explained that this arrangement was a past concession to secure Zhou Weiqian's investment, and according to company rules, shareholders had waived priority to purchase transferred contracts. This meant Fancy could acquire shares without their explicit agreement, putting Rui Hua in a vulnerable position. Grandma lamented their situation, but noted that their combined shares (hers, Yu Zhi's, and Yu Yi's) still exceeded half, maintaining their control.
She sternly warned them to protect their shares at all costs, and Yu Zhi assured her he would address any loopholes. Yu Yi silently clenched his fist. Later, Yu Yi called the person with whom he had mortgaged his shares, confirming their safety and promising to redeem them quickly, as the other party mentioned being short on cash.
Si Cheng informed Gao Jie that the lawyers found no easy solution; without strong evidence proving Shui Zhiyao's design preceded Rui Hua's copyright registration, overturning it would be difficult. Gao Jie wondered if He Wenwen's extreme actions were a result of her, but Si Cheng took the blame for being careless. He grimly suggested selling the company to pay the damages if necessary. Gao Jie adamantly refused, offering to beg Rui Hua to sell them the copyright.
Si Cheng, however, forbade her, declaring he would rather close his studio than see her humiliated by Yu Zhi or Gao Hui. Gao Jie agreed, but secretly resolved to go to Rui Hua anyway. Unaware of her intentions, Si Cheng told her he would handle everything and not to act alone. Gao Jie stood outside Rui Hua, hesitant but ultimately entering for Si Cheng's sake, despite memories of Yu Zhi's past criticisms and her own self-doubt.
Inside, Gao Hui presented Yu Zhi with samples of a joint design created with her mother, Wu Xiaoci, for the Plain Gold Group. They discussed plans for a Chinese-style press conference. A receptionist then informed Yu Zhi that Gao Jie was there, but he refused to see her. Gao Jie chose to wait in the lobby, enduring whispers from employees who called her deceitful.
Yu Yi spotted her and immediately called security, telling her Rui Hua did not welcome her and that she no longer deserved to see Yu Zhi. Gao Jie left, disheartened. Later, Yu Yi confronted Gao Hui for her close involvement with the Plain Gold Group, reminding her of her duties in the Inlay Group. Gao Hui tried to justify herself and invited him to dinner to discuss company matters, but Yu Yi coldly declined.
That evening, Gao Jie went to Yu Zhi's apartment, where she found boxes of his old belongings outside. She bravely knocked and, when he opened the door, pleaded with him to sell or authorize the Wheel of Time design's copyright to Shui Zhiyao, vowing to wait until he agreed. Yu Zhi promptly shut the door. Gao Jie then waited downstairs, remaining through the gathering storm until she was drenched by the rain.
Yu Zhi eventually came down, questioning why she hadn't left. Gao Jie said she wouldn't be there if he would talk to her. Yu Zhi accused her of asking him to let go of Shui Zhiyao for Si Cheng's sake, implying she only sought to take from him. Gao Jie calmly stated she wasn't there to argue but to advocate for Si Cheng, an extraordinary designer whose reputation shouldn't be ruined.
Yu Zhi retorted that if Si Cheng was so capable, he should handle it himself, then threw down the umbrella he had brought and left. Back inside, Yu Zhi gazed at the bracelet Gao Jie had repaired for him, lost in thought, recalling her cherished words about a leaf he had given her. The next day, Gao Jie visited Grandma Yu, surprised that Grandma was still willing to see her.
Grandma, though angry about Gao Jie's past betrayal, said she had been waiting for an explanation. Gao Jie explained her family situation, detailing how Mu Ziyun had cared for her like a mother after her own mother's accident, paying for her medical and tuition expenses. Gao Jie had been trying to repay her kindness and never imagined Mu Ziyun would deceive her. Grandma, acknowledging Gao Jie's suffering, said she wouldn't blame her for Mu Ziyun's mistakes.
She then asked about the current infringement issue, stating her disbelief that a talented designer like Gao Jie would plagiarize. Gao Jie confessed that the current design draft was Si Cheng's, for which she only provided ideas. She revealed that her hands "can't draw design drafts anymore" and she had "lost [her] ability to design completely," which was why she was begging Grandma not to harm Si Cheng and Shui Zhiyao because of her. Grandma was shocked by this revelation.
Yu Zhi, passing by, overheard Gao Jie's admission. Grandma stated she needed to discuss the matter with Yu Zhi and Yu Yi before giving an answer. Gao Jie thanked her profusely and left. Yu Zhi, troubled by Gao Jie's loss of design ability, wondered if she was being deceitful or if there was a misunderstanding, and asked Yan Kai to investigate. Later, Yu Yi angrily chastised the Inlay Group for their deteriorating designs.
Gao Hui, sensing his displeasure about her working closely with Yu Zhi, tried to explain her involvement with the Plain Gold Group. Yu Yi dismissed her, telling her to focus on her design specialty. Gao Jie still hoped to speak with Yu Zhi, but he refused, directing Si Cheng to deal with him instead. Yu Zhi presented Si Cheng with a Letter of Authorization.
Noticing He Wenwen's name, Si Cheng explained that she had been a designer at Shui Zhiyao just a month prior, leaving right after he and Gao Jie completed the Wheel of Time design. Yu Zhi cut him off, asserting that the copyright for the Wheel of Time design belonged to Rui Hua, regardless of their grievances. He offered not to sue Shui Zhiyao on the condition that Si Cheng and Gao Jie complete the Wheel of Time jewelry's production.
However, he added that the finished piece, when exhibited in New York, would only be credited to Rui Hua and President Lei, with no mention of Shui Zhiyao. Si Cheng was outraged, refusing to accept such "insulting charity," even if it meant selling Shui Zhiyao. Yu Zhi then revealed that Gao Jie had pleaded with him many times over this issue. Hearing this, Si Cheng relented, realizing that Rui Hua's offer, however unfavorable, was their only viable option.
At a rock climbing gym, Gao Hui questioned Yu Zhi about privately settling with Shui Zhiyao, but he remained firm in his decision despite her strong disagreement. When Gao Jie learned of Yu Zhi's harsh terms, she became furious and moved to confront him, but Si Cheng intervened, stopping her. Following Rui Hua's requirement for the Customization Group to participate in the production, Gao Jie returned to work.
The three master craftsmen, believing she had betrayed Rui Hua, treated her with disdain, calling her ungrateful. While Master Zheng attempted to mediate, Masters Cai and Lin interrupted him. Gao Jie silently returned to her old workbench, finding it unchanged, which brought a mix of emotions. Si Cheng and Gao Jie then discussed the intricate and challenging craftsmanship required for the project. Meanwhile, Pan Yue stared blankly at an old video clip Gao Hai had brought, showing them playing with a young Gao Jie, a glimmer of memory stirring within her.
