Nothing But Thirty Episode 18 Recap
> Nothing But Thirty Recap
Chen Yu's brother, Chen Xu, noticed a camping cot by the fish tank and shrewdly asked if Chen Yu and Zhong Xiaoqin had been fighting. Chen Yu quickly denied it, claiming Zhong Xiaoqin had insomnia and he snored. When Chen Xu, feigning innocence, then asked to borrow 1,000 yuan, Chen Yu immediately transferred him 3,000 yuan and told him not to visit again. Chen Xu, surprised by his brother's unusual generosity, deduced that the couple's disagreement was indeed serious.
Returning from Beijing, Xu Huanshan felt a pang of guilt, prompting him to tell Lin Youyou to stop sending him messages. As Gu Jia's 30th birthday approached, he asked her what she desired. Gu Jia suggested a family trip with Xu Ziyan to Beijing for his upcoming fireworks test, deeming their time together the best gift. However, Xu Huanshan had planned an unforgettable celebration for her.
He apologized for their recent arguments and offered to fully support her tea factory venture by transferring the entire acquisition fee from the company's working capital as her birthday gift. Gu Jia expressed concern for the company's finances, but Xu Huanshan reassured her that he would complete the fireworks proposal and repay the funds with a bonus the following month.
Following Chen Yu's advice, Zhong Xiaoqin successfully resolved the tenant eviction issue, with the store manager agreeing to sign the exit agreement. Elated by the good news, she invited Zhong Xiaoyang for lunch. During their meal, they played a game, and Zhong Xiaoyang intentionally lost to win the chance to treat her, even offering her a shrimp from his plate. Gu Jia, who happened to be dining nearby with Xu Ziyan, observed their playful interaction.
Later, she messaged Zhong Xiaoqin, teasingly asking about the "cute little kid" she was having lunch with, hinting at a potential office romance or an "older sister-younger brother" relationship. Zhong Xiaoqin quickly dismissed the notion. Back at the office, Zhong Xiaoqin found two boxes of oolong tea on her desk. Zhong Xiaoyang explained he bought them for her because he knew she enjoyed that particular tea, suggesting it would help her stay alert during overtime.
He playfully instructed her not to share it with colleagues. On Gu Jia's 30th birthday, which also marked her mother's death anniversary, she and Xu Huanshan picked up her father to visit the cemetery. Her father, unlike others who typically wore black, was dressed in a bright red top. He explained that this way, her mother would easily spot him, stating that wearing black was for fear of "monsters." Gu Jia was reminded that her mother always liked red.
She reflected on her childhood, recalling how her mother, battling kidney disease, chose to forgo further treatment to prevent the family from losing their home, leading her father to sign the discharge papers. Gu Jia admitted she used to resent her father for this, but after becoming a mother herself, she finally understood the immense heartache and difficult decision her parents had to make.
This newfound understanding also made her more fearful; the happier she became, the more she worried that minor issues could ruin all the good things in their lives. Xu Huanshan comforted her, promising that as long as he was there, nothing would be ruined. Wang Manni and Liang Zhengxian went shopping for Gu Jia's birthday gift. Wang Manni spoke highly of Gu Jia, praising her wisdom, responsibility, and financial independence as the ideal woman at thirty.
Liang Zhengxian assured Wang Manni that she, too, would be even better at thirty, highlighting her valuable freedom. He promised to be by her side for her 30th birthday, and even her 40th. Xu Huanshan had meticulously arranged a romantic birthday party for Gu Jia in a park. Wang Manni arrived with Liang Zhengxian, introducing him as her boyfriend. Liang Zhengxian complimented Gu Jia, and while chatting with Xu Huanshan, he inquired about how he found such a good wife.
Xu Huanshan described his and Gu Jia's love story as having a "gunpowder flavor." Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaoqin was delayed due to work. Zhong Xiaoyang, who had driven her on his motorcycle to Yudi Park, then brazenly took her phone to call Gu Jia, claiming he was starving from rushing to deliver Zhong Xiaoqin. Gu Jia, albeit annoyed, invited him to join the party. At the party, Xu Huanshan and Xu Ziyan performed a simple piano duet for Gu Jia.
Xu Huanshan then confessed his deep love, recalling their first meeting ten years ago as Olympic volunteers and how he made a secret wish that all his future fireworks designs would be for her. He then unveiled his latest, dazzling fireworks, custom-designed for her 30th birthday. As the brilliant fireworks lit up the sky, Xu Huanshan knelt, presenting a unique diamond ring.
He reminded her of his promise to give her the best gift when he was a poor boy, thanking her for a decade of unwavering support, for shielding their family from hardships, and for everything she had done. He concluded with a heartfelt "I love you." The emotional proposal moved their friends to cheers and tears, calling it the most beautiful state of love. Xu Huanshan promised to design a unique fireworks display for her every birthday going forward.
Zhong Xiaoyang deliberately sat next to Zhong Xiaoqin, even cutting her steak for her. When Zhong Xiaoqin went to get some fruit, Wang Manni seized the opportunity to speak with Zhong Xiaoyang. She told him that she wasn't prejudiced against "older sister-younger brother" relationships, but Zhong Xiaoqin was a very pure girl.
She sternly warned him that if he wasn't serious about her, he should forget it, as she and Gu Jia would not stand by and let Zhong Xiaoqin be hurt or bullied. Zhong Xiaoyang solemnly responded by asking what if he was very serious, to which Wang Manni replied that he would then have to prove himself worthy of that blessing. Gu Jia, Xu Huanshan, and Xu Ziyan traveled to Beijing for the amusement park fireworks test.
After settling Gu Jia and Xu Ziyan at the hotel, Xu Huanshan immediately headed to the site to oversee preparations, promising to pick them up for lunch. At the park, Lin Youyou was constantly around Xu Huanshan, observing him with open admiration and even joining him for a casual boxed lunch, praising his dedication. Meanwhile, Gu Jia and Xu Ziyan explored. While eating, Xu Ziyan sweetly told his mother he liked her more because she always kept him company.
Gu Jia, touched but wanting to ensure he appreciated his father, explained that his dad worked hard, like an Ultraman fighting monsters, to build their "big castle" and keep their family safe.
