Nothing But Thirty Episode 14 Recap
> Nothing But Thirty Recap
Zhong Xiaoqin directly asks Wang Manni about the status of her relationship with Liang Zhengxian, to which Manni admits she hasn't brought it up yet. Manni hesitates to ask, fearing she might scare him off, especially since a wealthy and romantic man like him is still unmarried, suggesting he might be wary of marital commitments. Zhong Xiaoqin observes that their relationship seems quite advanced despite its undefined status.
Wang Manni acknowledges she initially had reservations but has grown hopeful over time, developing expectations for their future. Gu Jia encourages Manni to be more confident, pointing out her beauty, intelligence, career, and youth, suggesting Liang Zhengxian might not be worthy of her. Manni concedes that Liang Zhengxian is indeed a complicated individual. Gu Jia accompanies Xu Huanshan to inspect their fireworks factory. Manager Yan assures them all safety measures are in place and up to standard.
However, Gu Jia quickly spots several issues, including the lingering scent of smoke on a passing employee and signs that a fire exit had previously been obstructed. She instructs Yan to fire the employee with a strong smoking habit, emphasizing that such a person poses a fire hazard. Gu Jia also discovers that workers have been working overtime for five consecutive evenings, indicated by the cook preparing extra meals.
She sternly reminds Yan that open flames and fatigued labor are strictly forbidden in a fireworks factory, highlighting the dangers and stating that no order is more important than human lives. Yan, impressed by Gu Jia's keen eye, admits his shortcomings and promises immediate adjustments. Later, while observing fireworks with Xu Huanshan, Gu Jia expresses renewed concern about the blue fireworks, whose production carries inherent risks, despite Xu Huanshan’s attempts to strictly control their storage environment.
Remembering the recent tragic accident at Shen Jie’s factory, Gu Jia urges Xu Huanshan to cease production of these risky fireworks, but he is reluctant, valuing his innovative design. The next morning, Gu Jia takes Xu Huanshan on a hike to see a sea of clouds.
At the summit, she makes a wish for him to no longer be the legal representative of the company, expressing her desire to accumulate enough capital to close the factory and remove them from the "powder keg." She confesses that she fears losing him more than losing the company. Her heartfelt words convince Xu Huanshan, who resolves to immediately halt production of the blue fireworks and clear existing stock.
Gu Jia later plans a "water tasting meeting" at her dessert shop for the wives, featuring various imported waters, a concept Xu Huanshan dismisses as "boring and childish." Gu Jia admits the social gatherings can be tiring but maintains the connections for practical reasons, like securing a summer camp spot for her child through Ms. Wang, while considering the other events as opportunities to educate.
Zhong Xiaoqin returns to her parents' house, where her mother immediately questions Chen Yu's prolonged absence and tries to inspect Xiaoqin's luggage. To prevent her mother from discovering the divorce, Xiaoqin fabricates a story about Chen Yu sending a WeChat message saying he's home, then quickly leaves. She finds solace at a BBQ restaurant, enjoying her newfound financial independence and the simple pleasure of eating alone, something she rarely did during her marriage.
At the restaurant, she is spotted by Zhong Xiaoyang, who is dining with friends. After her meal, Xiaoqin approaches him to ask if he knows of any respectable KTVs where she could stay the night. Zhong Xiaoyang suggests a drive-in movie theater, where she could watch multiple films until dawn or even sleep in her car, an idea Xiaoqin finds appealing. He seems disappointed when she doesn't invite him.
The following morning at work, Zhong Xiaoyang observes that Xiaoqin is still wearing the same clothes from the previous day and smells of grilled food, jokingly offering her perfume. Xiaoqin dismisses his teasing, stating her dislike for childish boys. Liang Zhengxian continues to shower Wang Manni with gifts, sending express deliveries and eagerly anticipating their reunions.
During one of their meetings, he takes her shopping and buys her many pairs of high heels, remarking that she looks most beautiful in them and no longer needs to worry about uncomfortable shoes. Unexpectedly, Wang Manni receives a luxury car as a "birthday gift" from Liang Zhengxian, two months ahead of her actual birthday, with the key found at the wheel. Zhong Xiaoqin starts investing in self-care, purchasing numerous masks and beauty products.
Her credit card, still linked to Chen Yu's phone, sends him notifications of her spending, including hotel stays. Chen Yu quickly deduces that she hasn't informed her parents about their divorce and has been living in hotels. Zhong Xiaoqin returns to their former apartment to pick up some packages, having inadvertently used their old address for deliveries. Their reunion is charged with tension. Chen Yu confronts her about her spending and hotel stays.
Zhong Xiaoqin sarcastically remarks that she should have divorced sooner if it meant becoming a "rich middle-aged woman." She then defends her purchases as self-care now that she is single, declaring her intention to show that "single women are more bright and beautiful." She assures Chen Yu she will update her delivery address and promises to inform her parents about the divorce after work. Their conversation quickly devolves into bickering, with Xiaoqin lamenting their previous lack of communication.
While at work, Zhong Xiaoqin receives an urgent phone call from her mother, informing her that her father has suffered a heart attack and has been hospitalized. In the midst of rush hour, Zhong Xiaoyang quickly offers to take her on his motorcycle, swiftly navigating through traffic to the hospital.
Upon arrival, her father has just come out of surgery and is out of immediate danger, but the doctor cautions that he has a history of heart disease with signs of relapse, and it is crucial to keep his mood stable in the coming days. Chen Yu also arrives at the hospital, having been called by Zhong Xiaoqin’s mother. Before her parents, Zhong Xiaoqin introduces Zhong Xiaoyang as a colleague, who then departs.
Later, Chen Yu offers to drive Zhong Xiaoqin home and help with hospital preparations. Zhong Xiaoqin, however, asks him to temporarily conceal their divorce from her parents, fearing the news would upset her father given his fragile condition. She promises to inform them slowly once she has settled down. When asked where she'll stay, Zhong Xiaoqin decides to go to Wang Manni's house.
At Manni's place, Manni offers practical advice on apartment hunting, suggesting Xiaoqin consider a "radius of life" focused on her workplace, encompassing safety, transportation, convenience, and affordability. Manni also praises Xiaoqin’s courage in starting over. Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaoqin admire Wang Manni’s new car, with Gu Jia acknowledging it as a thoughtful and well-chosen gift. Gu Jia then advises Manni to use this expensive present as an opportunity to clarify her relationship with Liang Zhengxian.
Manni arranges to meet Liang Zhengxian and directly asks him in what capacity she is accepting the car – as a friend or a girlfriend. Liang Zhengxian avoids a direct answer, dismissing her concerns as "overthinking" and stating that the car and their relationship are separate matters. He explains that his only intention behind the gift was to ensure she could comfortably wear high heels without needing to take the subway.
He tells her not to create a "weird atmosphere," implying that her questions burden him, and confesses that his concern for her when they are apart is something he's willing to alleviate with money. He then takes her to an opera performance of "Romeo and Juliet," using the theme of love and death to suggest that true love is pure, unbound, and shouldn't be constrained by fears.
Later, as they drive back, Liang Zhengxian presents Wang Manni with a bank card, offering it as an allowance. Wang Manni firmly refuses the card, stating that while she can accept the car as a temporary means of transport, accepting the card would imply she is being "kept." Liang Zhengxian reluctantly takes the card back, acknowledging her stance, and suggests they continue their drive.
Zhong Xiaoqin shares her frustration with Gu Jia and Wang Manni about her apartment search, mentioning two promising-looking apartments she found online. Wang Manni cautions her about relying on online photos, accurately predicting that the apartments, based on the time Xiaoqin viewed them, would lack sufficient sunlight, making them unsuitable for Shanghai's humid climate. Xiaoqin reveals that her preferred apartment isn't available for another month.
Gu Jia offers her a temporary stay at her home, and Wang Manni also extends an invitation, but Zhong Xiaoqin politely declines, not wanting to impose or interfere with Manni's blossoming relationship. Gu Jia then suggests that Zhong Xiaoqin simply move back into the apartment she shared with Chen Yu, reminding her that legally, half the house belongs to her according to their divorce agreement.
Wang Manni supports this idea, pointing out that until the house is sold, Chen Yu has no right to prevent her from living there. Convinced, Zhong Xiaoqin decides to move back. As they are discussing, Zhong Xiaoyang approaches their table. Zhong Xiaoqin quickly dismisses him as a "mortal coworker" and an "insensible little boy," despite his help in taking her to the hospital. Gu Jia and Wang Manni exchange knowing smiles, sensing Zhong Xiaoyang's clear interest in Xiaoqin.
